Fast and Furious fans, rejoice: Dwayne Johnson has returned to the family in a surprise return for Fast X.
The 51-year-old played Luke Hobbs in four films in the action franchise, as well as the 2019 spin-off Hobbs & Shaw, before retiring in 2021, just ahead of F9.
At the time, the WWE icon publicly chastised co-star Vin Diesel, calling him a ‘candy ass’ and vowing never to return.
However, he had a sudden change of heart and appeared in a mid-credits scene when the film premiered on May 19, leaving us all happy.
The brief scene showed Luke accepting a ringing phone call from Dante (Jason Momoa).
The rookie instantly began insulting him before stating that in the 2011 sequel, he would get retribution for Luke’s role in his father’s murder in Rio.
The police officer was having none of it and cautioned that he wasn’t to be trifled with before the credits rolled, suggesting more action in the final installment.
Dwayne first appeared in the franchise in the 2011 movie Fast Five, with Elsa Pataky, as well as Vin, Jordana Brewster, Paul Walker, Ludacris, Tyrese, Sung Kang, and Gal Gadot.
He remained a cinematic fixture, appearing in Fast & Furious 6, Furious 7, and The Fate of the Furious, and even landed his own spin-off alongside Jason Statham, before announcing his departure in a rage in 2021.
‘Some conduct themselves as stand-up men and true professionals, while others don’t,’ he fumed at the time.
‘When you watch this movie next April and it seems like I’m not acting in some of these scenes and my blood is legit boiling – you’re right.’
Later that year, Vin publicly extended an olive branch, pleading with him to return before the release of Fast X.
‘My little brother Dwayne… the time has come,’ he began a lengthy Instagram post alongside a snap of them on set. ‘The world awaits the finale of Fast 10.
‘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!
‘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 [sic].’
Dwayne later addressed his remarks in an open interview with CNN, where he chastised his co-star for making the move public.
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‘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,’ he told the outlet.
‘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.’
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the manner the XXX actor acknowledged his children or their late co-star in the article.
‘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,’ he added.
‘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.’
Fast X is in cinemas now.
