There are few things more entertaining in the world of behind-the-scenes drama than the very public spat between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson. Dating back to their time together in the ‘Fast & Furious’ films, it’s clear these men just don’t like each other. And yet, instead of keeping quiet, both of them are not above throwing little jabs at each other through the press, especially when the topic of a new ‘Fast’ film comes up. Now, after years of fighting and the end of the main ‘Fast’ franchise coming to an end, it appears Vin Diesel is trying to bury the hatchet.
In a recent Instagram post (because public social media is the best place for personal apologies and mending fences), Vin Diesel outright asks Dwayne Johnson to put aside their differences so that the latter can rejoin the cast for the final two ‘Fast’ films. Why should Johnson do that? Well, Diesel thinks it’s Johnson’s “legacy” and everyone needs to live up to the promise made to now-deceased actor Paul Walker.
“My little brother Dwayne… the time has come,” Diesel wrote on Instagram. “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.”
He continued, “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.”
Not to get all “read between the lines, man” on this post because it does seem as if Diesel is trying to put an end to the feud, but you can’t help but laugh when the opening line is referring to Dwayne Johnson as “little brother,” which feels a bit condescending and a little emasculating. And when you are talking about men that disagree over who should win in a fight and how badass they should look on the big screen, shots like that kinda betray the purpose of a plea such as this.
That said, it’s also interesting to note that there is not any sort of apology to be found. This is clearly Diesel just copping to the idea that they don’t like each other, but they should do it for the fans…and FAMILY!
We’ll see if it works because Johnson has publicly said that he has no plans to show up in the two-part finale of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise.