Back in November, Vin Diesel offered up what looked like an olive branch on Instagram asking Dwayne Johnson to return to the Fast & Furious franchise, but actually read more like a passive aggressive demand. Now Johnson has replied in the form of an interview with CNN, firmly stating that there's "no chance" he'll be back.
In the wide-ranging interview, he discusses the successes he's had this year with movies and other businesses, but when the subject of Diesel and Fast films was broached, he was less positive, though still largely diplomatic. "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," Johnson says. "I privately spoke with my partners at Universal as well, all of whom were very supportive as they understand the problem.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," he adds, "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." For more from the interview, head to CNN.
Will Diesel reply? We'll see...