As of now, Dwayne Johnson has made it clear that he is not returning to the Fast & Furious franchise after his appearance in Fast X (2023), and he has publicly addressed why he’s stepping away from the series.
Key Reasons Dwayne Johnson Is Not Coming Back:
- Disputes with Vin Diesel:
A major factor in Dwayne Johnson’s departure from the main Fast & Furious series stems from his well-known tensions with co-star Vin Diesel. In 2016, Johnson made headlines when he posted an Instagram message referring to certain male co-stars (without naming them) as “candy asses” on the set of The Fate of the Furious. This was widely speculated to be directed at Vin Diesel, and the tension between the two reportedly continued behind the scenes. Although both stars have expressed they’ve moved on and have publicly made amends, Johnson’s decision to not return for Fast X and future installments suggests that the relationship issues may have been significant. - Desire for Different Projects:
Dwayne Johnson has been focusing on his own projects, particularly in the realm of producing and starring in new franchises. He has developed a strong brand outside of Fast & Furious with projects like Black Adam (in the DC Universe), Jumanji, and his production company, Seven Bucks Productions. He has expressed that he wants to pursue stories and roles that are more aligned with his current interests and goals, particularly focusing on building new franchises. - Creative Direction and Legacy:
Johnson has also noted that he wants his characters and projects to be meaningful, and while he appreciated his time in the Fast & Furious franchise, he felt that his story arc with Hobbs, the character he played, was concluded. After Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019), the spinoff film that starred Johnson and Jason Statham, he made it clear that he would not be returning to the main franchise but was open to potentially doing more spinoff films for Hobbs. - Contractual and Financial Considerations:
While the specifics of his contract with Universal Studios and the Fast & Furious franchise have never been fully disclosed, it is likely that Johnson’s compensation expectations and his significant box-office draw would require substantial negotiations. Additionally, as his career has evolved, his brand and business interests may no longer align with the direction of the Fast & Furious franchise. - Focus on Other Roles and Goals:
Johnson’s decision to focus on other projects reflects his ambition to explore different creative avenues and expand his influence outside of action franchises. His personal brand has become synonymous with leadership, positivity, and entrepreneurial success, and stepping away from Fast & Furious allows him to continue building on that identity.
Recent Developments:
- Vin Diesel’s Comments:
Vin Diesel, who has remained an integral part of the Fast & Furious franchise, has expressed hope for Johnson’s return. He has publicly stated that he would like to see the two of them working together again, but as of now, Dwayne Johnson has remained firm in his decision not to return. - Hobbs & Shaw 2:
While Johnson is not returning to the main Fast & Furious films, he has hinted at the possibility of continuing the story of Luke Hobbs through a sequel to Hobbs & Shaw. However, this project is still in development, and details remain scarce.
Conclusion:
Dwayne Johnson’s decision not to return to the Fast & Furious franchise seems to stem from a combination of behind-the-scenes tensions, a desire for more creative control, and a shift toward other projects that better align with his current goals. While he’s open to working in the Fast & Furious universe in some capacity, especially through spinoffs, he has made it clear that he is not interested in returning to the core franchise.