Dwayne Johnson hits out at Vin Diesel’s ‘manipulation’ as he snubs Fast and Furious offer

4 Min Read
Dwayne Johnson Premiere Of Universal Pictures' "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" - Arrivals
Dwayne Johnson attends the Premiere Of Universal Pictures' "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" at Dolby Theatre on July 13, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
ย 
Published by
BANG Showbiz English
ย 
ย 

Dwayne Johnson has snubbed Vin Dieselโ€˜s offer to return to the โ€˜Fast & Furiousโ€™ franchise, and claims his former co-starโ€™s public invitation was โ€œan example of his manipulationโ€.

The โ€˜Red Noticeโ€™ star has insisted he previously told Diesel he would not be returning to the movie series, and as a result he was โ€œvery surprisedโ€ when the 54-year-old actor took to Instagram in November to try to tempt him back.

Johnson โ€“ who played Luke Hobbs in five โ€˜Fast & Furiousโ€™ films โ€“ said: โ€œI was very surprised by Vinโ€™s recent post. This past June, when Vin and I actually connected not over social media, I told him directly โ€“ and privately โ€“ that I would not be returning to the franchise.

โ€œI 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. I privately spoke with my partners at Universal as well, all of whom were very supportive as they understand the problem.

โ€œVinโ€™s recent public post was an example of his manipulation.โ€

In his November post, Diesel said his children โ€“ Hania, 13, Vincent, 11, and Pauline, six โ€“ call Johnson โ€œUncle Dwayneโ€ and he also referenced their late franchise co-star Paul Walker, who died in 2013 aged 40.

Diesel โ€“ who plays Dominic Toretto in the movies โ€“ wrote at the time: โ€œMy little brother Dwayneโ€ฆ 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 donโ€™t send well wishesโ€ฆ 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! I say this out of loveโ€ฆ but you must show up, do not leave the franchise idle you have a very important role to play. Hobbs canโ€™t be played by no other. I hope that you rise to the occasion and fulfill your destiny. (sic)โ€

And Johnson has admitted he didnโ€™t like Diesel referring to his kids, or Walker, when trying to convince him to return to the franchise.

He told CNN: โ€œI didnโ€™t like that he brought up his children in the post, as well as Paul Walkerโ€™s death. Leave them out of it. We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding.

โ€œMy goal all along was to end my amazing journey with this incredible โ€˜Fast & Furiousโ€™ franchise with gratitude and grace.

โ€œItโ€™s unfortunate that this public dialogue has muddied the waters.

โ€œRegardless, Iโ€™m confident in the โ€˜Fastโ€™ universe and its ability to consistently deliver for the audience, and I truly wish my former co-stars and crew members the best of luck and success in the next chapter.โ€

  • Why was Sydney Sweeney at Jeff Bezosโ€™ wedding? [Celebtichy]
  • Gillian Anderson is bringing the vibe. [Go Fug Yourself]
  • Darryl Stephens talks returning to Noahโ€™s Arc [Boy Culture]
  • Scott Gardner scores big [Kenneth212]
  • Decoding the Nine Perfect Strangers twisty ending [Pajiba]
  • The first openly gay US president? Pete Buttigieg leads new poll [Pink News]
  • Which Celebrities Attended Diddyโ€™s White Parties? [Hollywood Life]