The Rock once criticized Vin Diesel calling his public plea 'manipulative' and denying a 'Fast 10' return

Photo: © Universal Pictures (Main Image)

It was after Dwayne Johnson joined the Fast & Furious films with Fast Five that the franchise, which was already popular, went to the next level. His and Vin Diesel’s camaraderie received a lot of love from the audience in future instalments like Fast & Furious 6 and Furious 7 as well.

However, while shooting for the eighth instalment in the saga, things fell apart between two leading stars.

Johnson had taken to Instagram in a now-deleted post saying, “Some conduct themselves as stand up men and true professionals, while others don’t. The ones that don’t are too chicken s**t to do anything about it anyway. Candy asses. When you watch this movie next April and it seems like I’m not acting in some of these scenes and my blood is legit boiling — you’re right.”

This post led to one of the most talked-about feuds between two massive stars in Hollywood history. Ever since then, the two have been fighting, making up and fighting again.

After staying out of F9, The Rock had stated in an interview that he will return for the 10 and final instalment. However, earlier this year Vin’s statement about tough love left Dwayne angry and he stated in clear words, he won’t work in Fast & Furious 10.

Last month, Vin Diesel took to Instagram and made a public plea to The Rock to return to the franchise for the final instalment. Calling Johnson his younger brother, he also talked about how he is “Uncle Dwayne” to his children and taking forward the legacy of Paul Walker.

Well, it turns out, Dwayne Johnson didn’t think much about this public plea and his firm on his stance on not returning to the franchise. In fact, he went on to slam Diesel calling the public plea “an example of his manipulation”.

He also stated that he didn’t like Vin bringing up Paul Walker’s death and his children in the post.

He told CNN, “I was very surprised by Vin’s recent post. This past June, when Vin and I actually connected not over social media, I told him directly – and privately – 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. I privately spoke with my partners at Universal as well, all of whom were very supportive as they understand the problem.”

Further adding, “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 Fast & Furious franchise with gratitude and grace. 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, and I truly wish my former co-stars and crew members the best of luck and success in the next chapter.”

While Dwayne has denied returning to Fast saga, he is still a part of Fast Universe with spin-off Hobbs & Shaw films.