Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson’s run in the Fast and Furious franchise has officially come to an end. Though he previously revealed he wasn’t appearing in any more sequels, the actor doubled down on his decision following an act of “manipulation” by his former costar Vin Diesel.
Diesel took to Instagram last month to publicly request Johnson’s return for the final movie. In an attempt to convince the former wrestler, he mentioned late Fast star Paul Walker and touched on The Rock’s relationship with his kids.
“The world awaits the finale of Fast 10,” he pleaded. “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!”
The invitation, unfortunately, rubbed Johnson the wrong way. During a recent interview with CNN, he revealed that he previously rejected Diesel‘s offer amid a private conversation.
“I told [Diesel] directly 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,” Johnson said. “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.”
“My goal all along was to end my amazing journey with this incredible franchise with gratitude and grace,” he continued. “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.”
Given the popularity of the Fast and Furious franchise, fans immediately shared their thoughts on The Rock’s decision, with many citing the existing tension between him and Diesel. Look below to see the best reactions.
i think the rock & vin diesel need to settle their differences in a #verzuz battle
— ミ☆KALOTHE1 (@kalothe11) December 30, 2021
okay The Rock missing out on the Fast & Furious finale solely because he hates Vin Diesel is hilarious
— Soundwave (@LocalSoundwave) December 30, 2021
Vin Diesel in the studio getting ready to drop a diss track towards The Rock pic.twitter.com/MtqmjdHN1q
— MaltLiquorPapi (@LowkeyBrilliant) December 30, 2021
Tyrese watching Vin Diesel and the rock go back and forth… pic.twitter.com/jMgi0zDF1U
— Big Girl Slay 💋 (@Biggirlslay) December 30, 2021
Vin diesel and the Rock might as well main event wrestlemania and get that shit out the way fr🤣🤣🤣
— CHAIN$AW (@WavydarulerTOO) December 30, 2021
DWAYNE THE ROCK JOHNSON says he doesn't forgive VIN DIESEL and he won't appear in Fast and Furious 10. You'd think that for $20 Million Dollars a piece they can stop bickering and deliver a good final chapter for fans of this guilty pleasure franchise but no.@vindiesel @TheRock pic.twitter.com/QtTNPcpRiG
— Price of Reason (@priceoreason) December 30, 2021
Next time Vin Diesel sees The Rock after he said he’s not coming back to Fast and Furious pic.twitter.com/lO6TnO2w25
— Rich (@UptownDC_Rich) December 30, 2021
How Vin Diesel and The Rock are beefing about the Rock not coming back to Fast and Furious pic.twitter.com/MfKWoXhwNH
— Rich (@UptownDC_Rich) December 30, 2021
Vin Diesel: "WhatsApp The Rock let finish the franchise, let do it for family?"
Dwayne Johnson: pic.twitter.com/k7rxiXccWS
— MrTV_Mmekwa (@MmekwaMrtv) December 30, 2021
The Rock after Vin Diesel publicly asked him to return for Fast and Furious 10 pic.twitter.com/N34VMsX4ff
— Thee_Hottest_Takes (@SunHot_Takes) December 30, 2021
Lol the Rock said fuck family https://t.co/X58pej19G2 pic.twitter.com/m3ESr34EXD
— Walt (@Uber_Kryptonian) December 30, 2021