LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Fans were stunned when Vin Diesel had asked Dwayne Johnson to return to the 'Fast & Furious' family on his Instagram. If you don't already know, The Rock and Diesel got into a fight in 2016 while they were filming 'The Fate of the Furious'. Even co-star Ludacris opened up about the aftermath and it was a frequent subject of conversation in industry circles. After that fight, Johnson formed 'Hobbs & Shaw' and left the main 'Fast & Furious' series as well.
Vin Diesel reportedly used an important emotional card to force Dwayne Johnson to return for 'Fast X'. He took Instagram and wrote, "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.
'I was going to fulfill my promise to Pablo'
The post adds, "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! 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 you rise to the occasion and fulfill your destiny."
However, Johnson said that Diesel's comments about children and Paul Walker were an "example of his manipulation" — of how he reportedly used Paul's death as a leverage to get him back.
'I was firm yet cordial'
Johnson said, "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." He then added "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," as reported by Movieweb.
Despite the public disavowal of Vin's "tactics" to get him back, it seems Dwayne Johnson was not entirely immune to his emotional appeal as he did return for a cameo in 'Fast X' and might star in the second part on 'Fast X' to be released in 2025.
