There have been several reports over the past few years that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had heat with his co-star Vin Diesel while filming Fast & Furious 5, 6, 7 and 8, which was why The Rock got his own spin-off (Hobbs & Shaw).
Rock was replaced with John Cena as the biggest star next to Vin Diesel in Fast & Furious 9.
In November 2021, Vin took to Instagram to request Rock to come back for Fast X. Below is what he 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. Legacy awaits.
I told you years ago that I was going to fulfil my promise to Pablo (Paul Walker). 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 that you rise to the occasion and fulfil your destiny.”
In January 2022, The Rock addressed Vin’s Instagram post during an interview with CNN and said he was “very surprised” to see Vin post that, after already telling Diesel in June 2021 that he wouldn’t return to do another Fast & Furious movie.
Johnson said that he also told Universal Pictures the same thing, “all of whom were very supportive as they understand the problem.”
He called Diesel’s post an “example of his manipulation” and added “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.”
The Rock felt like him and Diesel had a “clear understanding” of him leaving the franchise with “gratitude and grace”, but that actual post by Diesel has “muddied the waters.”
In an update on this situation, The Wrap is reporting that The Great One will appear in Fast X:
“Surprise! Dwayne Johnson has returned to the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise, making an appearance in the post-credits sequence for the upcoming ‘Fast X’, out next Friday (May 19).”
Fast X’s sequel will be released in 2025.
