LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: After making an unexpected appearance in the upcoming 'Fast X,' Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is reportedly making a comeback in the 'Fast & Furious' franchise. Johnson and Vin Diesel's highly public dispute caused the franchise stars to split up years ago, but now the series is beginning to reunite them. Johnson appeared in the film's closing credits after its premiere on May 19, The Wrap reports.
It's important to note that Johnson's cameo happened two years after he turned down the chance to return to the 'Fast & Furious' films because of his conflict with Diesel. Fans last saw Johnson, 51, in character for the 2019 spinoff starring Jason Statham, 'Hobbs & Shaw,' seven years after he joined the film series with 2011's 'Fast Five.'
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'Fast & Furious' not the DC Universe
Johnson changed his mind and decided to play Hobbs in the 'Fast X' cameo since he understood this was best for his career. The Rock's decision to leave 'Fast & Furious' came just as he was starting a new series with 'Black Adam' as a part of the DC Universe. He had grand ambitions for his DC persona, which included sequels, spin-offs, and eventually going up against Henry Cavill's Superman.
But 'Black Adam' underwhelmed at the box office and earned negative reviews, which led James Gunn to declare that Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam had no place in his new franchise plans going forward. The Rock knew he had to go back to 'Fast & Furious' after failing to land his new superhero franchise.
Johnson recently discovered success with online movies that achieve record-setting viewership numbers despite poor reviews. According to People, Johnson wants a major, successful movie franchise after 'Fast X' ends, so playing Hobbs again provides him with that opportunity.
'Dante calls Hobbs'
Dante, played by Jason Momoa, is a villain on a bitter journey to exact revenge on those who killed his father. The Rock's 'Fast & Furious' comeback is confirmed when Dante calls Hobbs in the 'Fast X' post-credits scene to warn the person who killed his father that he is coming for him next, as per ScreenRant.
Future of 'Fast & Furious' and Hobbs' Return
Given everything that transpired between him and Diesel over the years, Johnson's appearance in 'Fast X' is worth mentioning. With Hobbs rejoining the 'Fast & Furious' franchise, his position as the franchise's future leader has been restored. In order for Hobbs to play a major role in 'Fast & Furious 11,' Johnson undoubtedly agreed to do the Fast X cameo.
Johnson's 'Fast X' return also signifies that the series has been successful in bringing back its main stars as the last films are being shot. Also, Gal Gadot came back as Gisele in 'Fast X' after it was believed that her character died in 'Fast & Furious 6.'
Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel's feud
Johnson and Diesel created a public feud over their disparate work ethics and franchise ideas after joining the franchise in 'Fast Five' As a result, they didn't film any sequences together for 'The Fate of the Furious,' Universal gave The Rock a spinoff, and Hobbs was absent from 'Fast and Furious 9.' However, Johnson has changed his mind with his comeback to 'Fast X' Hobbs.
Because of their conflict, Johnson even vowed to skip 'Fast X' and claimed to have privately informed Diesel that he was done with the franchise. Speaking to CNN in 2021, Johnson said: "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."