This is getting awkward…
Dwayne Johnson has called out Vin Diesel for being manipulative in trying to convince him to return to the Fast and Furious franchise and has said there is “no chance” he will return.
In November, Diesel used an Instagram post to call for Johnson to return for one final hurrah on the franchise’s tenth anniversary.
“The world awaits the finale of ‘Fast 10,” he wrote.
“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 swore that we would reach and manifest the best Fast in the finale that is 10!”
Speaking to CNN, Johnson said Diesel was already aware he would not return to the franchise and went on to criticise his attempts to change his mind.
“I told [Vin Diesel] directly that I would not be returning to the franchise,” Johnson said. “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.
He continued: “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.”
Johnson did, however, “wish my former co-stars and crew members the best of luck and success in the next chapter,” saying he is “confident” the next installation will “consistently deliver for the audience”.
“My goal all along was to end my amazing journey with this incredible franchise with attitude and grace,” he added.
Johnson first starred in the Fast And Furious franchise in 2011’s fifth edition, Fast Five. He went on to star in four more, including 2017 spin-off, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw.
As it stands, the release date for the tenth instalment is April 2023. Vin Diesel is returning, but other cast members haven’t yet been announced.
Related links:
Fast and Furious films, ranked from worst to best
Cost of the damage done by Fast and Furious movies tallied up
Hobbs & Shaw is ridiculous, but lacks what makes Fast and Furious special
