Dwayne Johnson rejects Vin Diesel’s invitation, calling him ‘manipulative’

On Wednesday, December 29, in a statement with CNN, Dwayne Johnson, also known as “The Rock” has responded to Vin Diesel‘s invitation on Instagram to return to Fast & Furious for the tenth and last of the franchise saying that the publication of Diesel was “an example of his manipulation.”

“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. There is not a holiday that goes by that they and you dont 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 hoped that you rise to the occasion and fulfill your destiny“, wrote Vin on Insagram.

The website asked Johnson, who has been a part of the franchise since 2011’s Fast Five, if he was surprised by Diesel’s post asking him to “perform” for Fast & Furious 10.

“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.

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. (…) I truly wish my former co-stars and crew members the best of luck and success in the next chapter“, said Johnson.