Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has once again thrown cold water on Fast & Furious fan hopes of him rejoining the franchise, while admonishing Vin Diesel for reigniting their feud publicly.
The WWE legend starred in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth films in the action series before a well-documented spat with his co-stars saw him sit out the ninth movie, instead starring in his own spin-off Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.
Diesel recently posted on social media pleading for Johnson to rejoin the series for the tenth and likely final Fast & Furious.
But Johnson has finally replied. The answer is an emphatic no.
"I was very surprised by Vin's recent post. This past June... I told him directly - and privately - that I would not be returning to the franchise. I was firm yet cordial with my words... [telling him] there was no chance I would return " he told CNN.
"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."
Diesel's post was published in November and did indeed mention both his children and the late Paul Walker, who he affectionately refers to as 'Pablo'.
In it he also said Johnson "must" be part of Fast & Furious 10, as it was his "destiny".
"My little brother Dwayne, the time has come," Diesel said in the Instagram post alongside a photo of him and Johnson in Fast & Furious 5.
"As you know, my children refer to you as Uncle Dwayne in my house... I told you years ago that I was going to fulfil my promise to Pablo. 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 [any] other. I hope that you rise to the occasion and fulfil your destiny."
Fast & Furious 10 is scheduled for release in May 2023. There are reportedly also plans for other movie spinoffs and TV shows, including a sequel to Hobbs & Shaw.
