Actor Vin Diesel has reportedly been caught up in a years-long struggle with the Producers Guild of America over his contributions to the billion-dollar “Fast and Furious” franchise.
Diesel reportedly posted a cryptic Instagram post on Sunday night about ‘mitigating a war’ with the trade association in what is said to be only the latest round in a fight that has gotten to the near top of the NBCUniversal food chain.
According to Variety, Diesel desires the Producers Guild of America’s ‘mark of distinction’ – ie. the p.g.a. addendum to his film credit. It’s a credit that signifies that a producer has been verified as a substantial contributor in the making of a movie, and makes someone eligible to receive both increased bonuses and a potential Best Picture Oscar.
Diesel has apparently attempted to receive the mark for nearly every film in the franchise which has grossed over $5.9 billion worldwide. However the PGA has pushed back and the actor has consistently been denied and sought appeals, even getting many powerful friends to appeal directly to the PGA.
His pleas however have not altered the guild’s rigorous determination process. Diesel is certainly the face of the franchise, and the actor has worked tirelessly to promote it, but his contribution to the film’s making during production is said to be “dubious to people involved in these projects” who also say he behaves of typical ‘star talent’.
The process has turned a bit ugly with Diesel calling the group ‘the prejudice guild of America’ on an Instagram post and then later removing the caption. Another source tells the trade: “It’s clear that Vin wants this, and is willing to get dirty.”
Diesel’s next entry in the franchise, “F9: The Fast Saga,” hits cinemas April 2021.
