Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is accusing Vin Diesel of “manipulation” for taking to social media to request he return to the “Fast and the Furious” franchise.
Johnson, who has said in the past he would not return to the action-packed series as Luke Hobbs, told CNN in a new interview that he was “surprised” by Diesel’s November post because they already had discussed in private Johnson’s permanent departure.
“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, 49, 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.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson excoriated Vin Diesel for publicly begging him to return to the “Fast” franchise.LatinContent via Getty Images
The actor, who since has moved on to star in the spinoff film “Hobbs & Shaw” with Jason Statham, slammed Diesel, 54, for emotionally using Diesel’s children and their late co-star Paul Walker’s death in order to lure Johnson back into the role for the final installment, “Fast 10.”
“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,” Johnson explained. “Leave them out of it. We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding.”
Despite Diesel’s “manipulation,” Johnson made it clear he would not appear in the final chapter of the “Fast” franchise given the very public feuds involving Diesel and Tyrese Gibson that began during the final weeks of production for “Fate of the Furious” in 2016 when Johnson excoriated his unnamed male co-stars in a now-deleted Facebook post.
Johnson’s character, Luke Hobbs, has departed the franchise to star in a spinoff, “Hobbs & Shaw.”©Universal/Courtesy Everett Col
“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,” Johnson shared.
“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.”
In the former “XXX” star’s post, Diesel begged “little brother” Johnson to return for the final movie in a public attempt to bury the hatchet and fulfill his promise to Walker (whom he called “Pablo” in the post) to end the series on a high note.
Diesel hasn’t publicly responded to Johnson’s CNN interview.
News
Drivers hit the gas harder after watching ‘The Fast and the Furious’
Drivers hit the gas harder after watching ‘The Fast and the Furious’ “The Fate of the Furious” was the eighth film in the franchise.Universal More drivers were…
Karrine Steffans accuses Columbus Short of bigamy
Drama-scarred former “Scandal” star Columbus Short was just released from jail — but he may wish he were back inside because his ex-wife is accusing him of being a bigamist. Karrine…
Vin Diesel to receive honorary degree from Hunter College
Vin Diesel to receive honorary degree from Hunter College Vin DieselGetty Images Dr. Vin Diesel — who saw that role coming? The actor will receive an honorary Doctor of…
Being a Hollywood star doesn’t quite pay like it used to
Movie stars don’t shine as brightly as they did a decade ago. In the 1990s and early aughts, the likes of Julia Roberts, Will Smith, Tom Hanks and Jim Carrey routinely commanded salaries…
Chris Pratt on James Gunn firing: ‘It’s not an easy time’
LOS ANGELES — Chris Pratt says “it’s not an easy time” as he and the rest of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” cast look to the future of the…
Chris Hemsworth feels ‘gross’ about being rich
Chris Hemsworth confessed that getting married and having children changed his career. “I do wonder sometimes, if we hadn’t met, what my career would look like,” Hemsworth, 35, told…
End of content
No more pages to load