The 2025 Golden Globes were filled with memorable moments, but one interaction that left fans buzzing was between Vin Diesel and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. At the ceremony, Diesel presented the award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement to the film Wicked, but before doing so, he paused for a brief but notable shout-out to his former co-star from the Fast & Furious franchise. Diesel, in his typical warm and charismatic manner, addressed The Rock by name, saying, “Hey Dwayne,” which caused the crowd to laugh and cheer. Despite their turbulent history, this moment marked a significant step toward reconciliation between the two stars.
The relationship between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson has been one of the most talked-about stories in Hollywood, particularly among fans of the Fast & Furious franchise. Their feud, which started back in 2016 during the filming of The Fate of the Furious, became public when Johnson made a scathing Instagram post. He criticized an unnamed male co-star, and it didn’t take long for the public to deduce that he was referring to Diesel. The post read: “There’s no other franchise that gets my blood boiling more than this one. My female co-stars are always amazing, and I love them. My male co-stars, however, are a different story.” Johnson elaborated, stating that while some of his male colleagues were professional, others, including Diesel, did not conduct themselves in the same manner. This open criticism sparked a long-running tension between the two.
In response to the situation, Diesel later revealed that he had attempted to push Johnson to deliver a great performance, which he referred to as “tough love.” Diesel explained that his intentions were not to hurt Johnson, but rather to motivate him to give his best. However, the result was a strained relationship that ultimately led Johnson to announce his departure from the Fast & Furious series after The Fate of the Furious in 2017. This exit marked the end of a chapter for the franchise and the beginning of a new era, as Diesel and the rest of the cast continued without Johnson.
Despite their rocky history, there was a sense of reconciliation between Diesel and The Rock that slowly began to develop in recent years. In 2021, Diesel spoke about their past differences and hinted at the possibility of a reunion. Two years later, it appeared that the two men were putting their issues behind them when Johnson confirmed that he would be returning to the Fast & Furious franchise. In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Johnson wrote: “Vin and I put all the past behind us. We’ll lead with Brotherhood and resolve and always take care of the franchise, characters, and fans that we love.” His statement signified a newfound understanding between the two men, paving the way for Johnson’s return to the franchise in Fast X.
For Johnson, returning to the Fast & Furious films was a moment of personal and professional triumph. In a video posted on social media, he shared his excitement about his comeback, expressing how gratifying it was to see the reaction of fans around the world when his character, Luke Hobbs, made a surprise appearance at the end of Fast X. The fans’ overwhelming support and excitement reinforced his belief that this was the right decision. Johnson’s infectious enthusiasm was evident as he explained the emotional journey that led him to reunite with Diesel and return to the iconic franchise that had helped shape his career.
Johnson also reflected on the importance of leading with resolve and focusing on the future. Despite their differences, he emphasized that the greater purpose—honoring the franchise, its characters, and the fans—was what brought him back. For him, the North Star of the Fast & Furious franchise—representing the love for the characters, the story, and the global fanbase—guided him through the decision-making process. He spoke about the significance of these larger plans, which went beyond personal differences, and how this reunion was ultimately about ensuring that the franchise continued to thrive for years to come.
In his video, Johnson also hinted at future developments in the Fast & Furious saga, teasing that the upcoming battle between his character Hobbs and Jason Momoa’s villain, Dante, would be nothing short of epic. The Rock suggested that the stakes would be higher than ever, with an intensity that rivaled some of the greatest rivalries in wrestling history, such as his own legendary bouts with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. This promise of an even more thrilling showdown between Hobbs and Dante has fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the series.
As the Fast & Furious franchise moves forward with new installments, it is clear that Diesel and Johnson have both made efforts to bury the hatchet and come together for the greater good of the franchise. Their mutual respect for the series and its global fanbase has proven to be a catalyst for healing past wounds. As the 11th installment of Fast & Furious looms on the horizon, the reunion of Diesel and Johnson signifies not only a professional reconciliation but also a personal growth that will enrich the films in ways fans have longed for.
Ultimately, the long-standing saga between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson serves as a testament to the power of forgiveness, resolution, and the shared love for something bigger than oneself. For fans, the return of Hobbs to the Fast & Furious franchise is more than just a plot twist—it’s a symbol of the strength of collaboration and the enduring spirit of cinema.
