Dwayne Johnson seems to be in every big blockbuster going these days but it doesn’t sound like he’s going to answer Vin Diesel’s plea to return to the Fast & Furious franchise.
Back in November, Diesel sent out a public invitation to his former co-star on social media, asking The Rock to reprise his role as Lucas Hobbs in the next movie in the series.
“The world awaits the finale of ‘Fast 10,’” Diesel wrote on Instagram. “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 fulfill my promise to Pablo. I swore that we would reach and manifest the best Fast in the finale that is 10!”
“Uncle Dwayne” hasn’t fallen for that sentimentality though. In a new interview with CNN, the actor responded to Diesel’s callout, criticising him for extending the invite in public.
“I told (Diesel) directly that I would not be returning to the franchise,” Johnson confirmed. “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 continued by tearing into the way Diesel presented his invite. “Vin’s recent public post was an example of his manipulation,” he insisted. “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.”
He did, however, make sure to express his well wishes towards the wider Fast & Furious family ahead of their next movie outing. “My goal all along was to end my amazing journey with this incredible franchise with gratitude and grace,” he said.
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“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… I truly wish my former co-stars and crew members the best of luck and success in the next chapter.”
It’s not like Johnson needs to return to Fast & Furious. Despite being critically panned, his latest movie, Red Notice, has smashed viewing records on Netflix. He’s also starring in the lead role in a DC Comics movie next year, Black Adam, set for release in July.
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Check out the trailer for Black Adam:
