Dwayne Johnson Declines Vin Diesel’s Invitation to Rejoin "Fast & Furious"

Dwayne Johnson has publicly declined Vin Diesel’s request to return to the “Fast and Furious” franchise for its upcoming 10th mainline entry.

In November, Diesel extended an invitation to Johnson to make peace and return on Instagram, imploring Johnson to reprise his role as secret agent Lucas Hobbs for the next installment in the series.

“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,” Diesel wrote on Instagram.

“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,” he added.

Diesel continued: “I swore that we would reach and manifest the best Fast in the finale that is 10! 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,” he concluded.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CV_M4NEhnvE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In a new interview with CNN, Johnson addressed the invitation, criticizing Diesel for voicing the request on social media after the two had already reached an agreement in private.

He stressed that he was directly told Diesel that he would not be returning to the franchise, noting he was firm yet cordial with his words and said that he would always be supportive of the cast and always root for the franchise to be successful, but that there was no chance he would return.

The "Red Notice" actor stated that Diesel's public post was an example of his manipulation, pointing out: "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 franchise with gratitude and grace. It is 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," he added.

Johnson expressed his good wishes for the “Fast & Furious” family ahead of their next outing.

Johnson made his debut in “Fast 5” playing Luke Hobbs and was a part of the franchise all the way through the 2017 movie “The Fate of the Furious”.

The two mega action stars had an epic falling out in 2016 after they clashed during filming “The Fate of the Furious”.

“Fast & Furious 10” is set to hit theaters on April 7, 2023.

Diesel is set to reprise his role as lead-footed outlaw wheelman Dom Toretto for “Fast 10″ and”Fast 11”, directed by filmmaker Justin Lin.

The movie will also feature regular series cast members including, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jordana Brewster, and Michelle Rodriguez.

“F9” helmer and frequent series director Justin Lin will also return for the final installment.