The Rock Declines Vin Diesel’s Offer To Return To The ‘Fast & Furious’ Franchise

Dwayne Johnson respectfully Vin Diesel’s offer to return to the Fast and the Furious franchise.

The Rock made his debut in the Fast franchise in Fast 5 back in 2011. After the Hobbs and Shaw movie was released, Dwayne Johnson said he would never return to the franchise but he wished the franchise well in the future.

Vin Diesel, who openly had disagreements with Johnson in the past, posted on social media that Dwayne needed to return to the franchise and properly finish the story.

The Rock, in a new interview with CNN, explains that he will not be returning and then he told Vin Diesel as much in person in a “firm but cordial” manner as only The Rock can.

“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.”

The Rock was very candid about saying that he felt like the public post was an example of the actor’s manipulation and then he says he came to a clear understanding with Vin Diesel months before.

“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.”

Even though The Rock is no longer in the franchise, John Cena made his debut in the franchise in the most recent release, F9. John played the brother of Vin Diesel’s character, Dom Toretto.

In the wrestling world, The Rock is still open to the possibility that one day a match with Roman Reigns will come together. Learn more here.