Dwayne Johnson Calls Vin Diesel ‘Manipulative’ For Inviting Him Back To 'Fast & Furious'

Professional wrestler turned actor, Dwayne Johnson, also known by his World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) ring name The Rock, has been a notable part of the "Fast & Furious" franchise.

Despite being a pivotal character in the franchise the actor has bowed out from the franchise after hinting at a dispute between costars. The star was further upset with Fast franchise costar Vin Diesel’s public attempt at “manipulating” him back to the franchise.

Playing the role of Luke Hobbs, Johnson had been a part of several Fast universe movies as well as a spin-off. He had been a part of the franchise since the "Fast Five." However, by the eighth installment, The Fate of the Furious, Johnson appeared to be upset with his male costar. He continued to be a part of the series till "Fast Nine," following which he announced that he would not return for the tenth and final installment.

Despite being vocal about his retirement from the franchise, his costar refused to let the matter rest. Taking to Instagram Diesel shared an image from the "Fast & Furious" movies in November. He invited Johnson to return for "Fast 10." He pointed out that his children called Johnson “Uncle Dwayne”. He even referenced the late Paul Walker as “Pablo” and said that he would do his best to keep his promise to “reach and manifest the best Fast in the finale”.

Diesel urged Johnson to “rise to the occasion” and return as Hobbs.

Speaking to CNN, Johnson shared how he found Diesel’s social media call to be manipulative. He shared that the two actors had already spoken about the former WWE star’s departure from the franchise. Despite their private discussion in June, Diesel brought up the issue months later.

Johnson stated that he would continue to support the Fast cast and franchise. He wished his former costars success. At the same time, he voiced his distaste for Diesel’s post. He said that his costar bringing up his children and Walker was uncalled for.

People had long reported the growing tension between Diesel and Johnson. Johnson had previously shared how he respected his female costars but some of his male costars were not professional.

Diesel's efforts to draw Johnson back to the Fast universe appear to have failed as the star claims there was "no chance" of his return.