Image Source: Hindustan Times
According to reports, Dwayne Johnson has turned down Vin Diesel’s invitation to return to the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise for its upcoming 10th installment.
According to reports, in November, Vin Diesel extended an invitation to actor Dwayne Johnson on Instagram, imploring the actor to reprise his role as Lucas Hobbs for the next installment of the movie series. The invitation said, "My little brother Dwayne... the time has come. The world awaits the finale of ‘Fast 10’. As you know, my children refer to you as Uncle Dwayne in my house. There is not a holiday that goes by that they and you don’t send well wishes… but the time has come. Legacy awaits. I told you years ago that I was going to fulfill my promise to Pablo. I say this out of love... but you must show up, do not leave the franchise idle you have a very important role to play. Hobbs can't be played by no other. I hope that you rise to the occasion and fulfill your destiny."
During his interview with CNN, Dwayne Johnson not only declined the request from former co-star Vin Diesel’s but also criticized him for voicing it out on social media when they had reached an agreement in private. Dwayne Johnson said, "I was very surprised by Vin's recent post. This past June, when Vin and I connected not over social media, I told him directly — and privately — that I would not be returning to the franchise. I was firm yet cordial with my words and said that I would always be supportive of the cast and always root for the franchise to be successful, but that there was no chance I would return. Vin’s recent public post was an example of his manipulation. I didn’t like that he brought up his children in the post, as well as Paul Walker’s death. Leave them out of it. We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding."
The actor who has been appreciated for his role as Lucas Hobbs extended his wishes for the ‘Fast and Furious’ family ahead of their next movie by stating, "My goal all along was to end my amazing journey with this incredible franchise with gratitude and grace. It’s unfortunate that this public dialogue has muddied the waters. Regardless, I’m confident in the ‘Fast’ universe and its ability to consistently deliver for the audience… I truly wish my former co-stars and crew members the best of luck and success in the next chapter."
Dwayne Johnson entered the ‘Fast and Furious franchise in 2011 with ‘Fast Five’where he played Lucas Hobbs, an agent of the Diplomatic Security Service who was the antagonist to Vin Diesel's character Dominic Toretto but later joins his family. Dwayne later reprised his role in 2013’s ‘Fast and Furious 6’, 2015’s ‘Furious 7’, and 2017’s ‘The Fate of the Furious.
The feud between Dwayne and Vin dates back to 2016 while they were filming The Fate of the Furious’. In August 2016, Dwayne Johnson took to his social media to share a now-deleted post that read, "There’s no other franchise that gets my blood boiling more than this one. My female costars are always amazing and I love ’em. My male costars, however, are a different story. Some conduct themselves as stand up men and true professionals, while others don’t. The ones that don’t are too chicken s*** to do anything about it anyway. Candy asses. When you watch this movie next April and it seems like I’m not acting in some of these scenes and my blood is legit boiling – you’re right."
Dwayne Johnson states he did not like how Vin Diesel used his kids and Paul Walker to 'manipulate' him in return. Image Source: RadarOnline
In reply to Dwayne Johnson’s post, Vin Diesel mentioned during an interview with USA Today, "I think some things may be blown out of proportion. I don't think that was his intention. I know he appreciates how much I work this franchise. In my house, he’s Uncle Dwayne." And now in November 2021, Vin Diesel’s post asking the actor to reprise his role again ignited the feud again, and Dwayne during his CNN interview mentioned that he was very surprised by Vin’s recent post and he had directly told the actor that he does not wish to reprise his role as Lucas Hobbs.
Earlier this year, Vin Diesel stated that the reason for their feud is the ‘tough love he gives to Dwayne Johnson to bring out his best performance in the movie but Dwayne Johnson said that he laughed at Vin’s comments.
Universal announced this month that the 10th chapter or installment of ‘Fast and Furious franchise will release on May 19th, 2023. Justin Lin returns to direct the movie which is being considered as the first of the final two movies of the franchise. Although there are rumors of the other movie spin-off and Tvshows based on the franchise too.
