It's safe to say Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will not be returning to the Fast & Furious franchise.
In a new interview with CNN, published Wednesday, Dec. 29, the Young Rock actor explicitly stated that he has no interest in reprising his role as Luke Hobbs, even after Vin Diesel issued a public plea in November.
For those who haven't been following the saga, Diesel wrote on Instagram last month, "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."
Diesel continued by referring to their co-star, the late Paul Walker, by his nickname, Pablo. "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!" he added. "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 fulfill your destiny."
Though Diesel's Instagram post was met with excitement from fans of the franchise, Dwayne said he was "very surprised" to see it shared in the first place.
"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," Johnson explained. "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 added that he also informed Universal Pictures about his decision and "all of whom were very supportive as they understand the problem."
And though Diesel seemingly had good intentions, Johnson called his post an "example of his manipulation," saying, "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."
Johnson said that after his earlier conversation with Diesel, he thought they had a "clear understanding" and hoped to leave the franchise with "gratitude and grace." However, he feels the "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," Johnson concluded.
The Red Notice star first hinted that there was drama between him and Diesel in a since-deleted 2016 Instagram post in which he wrote in part, "My female co-stars are always amazing and I love ‘em. My male co-workers however are a different story."
In 2021, he told Vanity Fair that he regrets airing his frustrations publicly but his sentiments remain the same. Take a look at the most famous celeb feuds below:
In June 2021, the grunge rocker accused the "drivers license" singer and former Disney Channel star of copying her band Hole's album cover for a promotional photo without giving credit. Olivia responded, "Love u and live through this sooooo much." Courtney then replied, "Olivia - you're welcome. My favorite florist is in Notting Hill, London! Dm me for deets! I look forward to reading your note [winking face emoji]."
During an appearance Watch What Happens Live, the Happy Days actor was asked why he didn't get along with the Forrest Gump star on the set of the 1989 flick Turner & Hooch.
"I was directing that movie for 13 days and then I was called into [producer] Jeff Katzenberg's office and he said, 'You have everything with you? Go home,'" he said.
Winkler did, however, seem to get along with Hanks' four-legged co-star. "I got along great, great with that dog," he said. "Love that dog."
He also refused to admit if he's even seen the flick.
"You know what you did!"
Fans of The Hills will remember that iconic line, delivered by Lauren Conrad on the season three premiere. Their feud began when Heidi Montag started dating her now-husband, Spencer Pratt. The feud hit its peak after rumors started flying that Conrad had made a sex tape with her ex, Jason Wahler, rumors which Conrad believed Pratt and Montag started.
The Fast and Furious co-stars had been involved in an ongoing feud, which reignited this past fall when Gibson publicly called out Johnson on Instagram after the Fast and Furious 9 release date was pushed. The film was originally scheduled for release in April 2019, but the date was later pushed back to April 2020. That same day, it was announced that a Fast and Furious spinoff starring Johnson and Jason Statham would hit theaters in 2019. The following month, Gibson threatened to quit Fast 9 if Johnson was in the movie.
In July, Gibson opened up about the feud, telling Van Lathan on The Red Pill podcast, "I have yet to talk to The Rock to this day, and we will have a conversation." Gibson shared that he did have a conversation with Johnson's producing partner, but not the actor himself.
"I found myself being the messenger on behalf of various people associated to the franchise, but stupid me was the only one who went public about those feelings, which is my own fault," Gibson said. "It's not professional, it's not cool."
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