Fans of the Fast and the Furious franchise have been sent into a frenzy with a post-credit appearance in Fast X. Former pro wrestler, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson makes a return as Agent Luke Hobbs despite his earlier declaration he would no longer be part of the franchise due to a fight with Vin Diesel. The two actors have had a public fallout, and Johnson didn’t make an appearance in 2021’s F9.
In 2021, Vin Diesel made a bold move by inviting Johnson to return for the Fast X installment. At the time, he expressed his desire to fulfill his promise to their late co-star Paul Walker.
Diesel in his plea referred to Johnson as “Uncle Dwayne” and stressed the importance of his role in the upcoming films. However, Johnson declined the offer, claiming he had made it clear he wouldn’t be returning. The tension between Diesel and Johnson dates back to 2016 when the wrestler posted a now-deleted Instagram message hitting at conflicts with some people on set.
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Johnson didn’t mention names in the Instagram message at the time but rumors were widespread that the comments were directed at Diesel. The feud was centered on work ethics and visions for the franchise. This ultimately led to both actors not filming any scenes together for The Fate of the Furious, Universal giving The Rock a spinoff and Hobbs missing in F9. The feud also led to Johnson revealing he told Diesel in secret he was done with the franchise.
Why Did The Rock Return In Fast X?
According to Screenrant, the reason Johnson agreed to do the Fast X Cameo is because he realized it was best for his career. When he exited the FF franchise, he got a role as Black Adama in the DC universe. There were big plans for the DC character, including sequels, and spinoffs, but Black Adam didn’t meet the expectations at the box office and even earned poor reviews which allowed James Gunn to decide there was a further future for Johnson’s Black Adam. The actor no doubt needs a huge lucrative movie franchise, so returning as Hobbs will earn him quite a fortune.
What Does Hobbs Return Means For The FF Franchise?
It’s confirmed that Hobbs is back in the fold and he will now be able to reunite with Diesel’s character Dom to help take down Dante, played by Jason Momoa, and save the world once again. Johnson’s return to the franchise also means Hobbs & Shaw 2 will much more likely happen and the sequel could be woven into the plans for the franchise finale. Interestingly, Gal Gadot also returned in Fast X as Gisele after it was made believed her character is dead.
Fast X Tops Box Office With $67.5M On Opening Weekend
According to Box Office Mojo, the 10th film in the FF Franchise starring Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, and Michelle Rodriguez went beyond the finish line with $67.5million in ticket sales in the United States and another $251.4million globally, making for a huge $318.9 million. The film knocked Guardian of the Galaxy 3 out of number one after two weeks at the top. The franchise starring Chris Pratt and Bradley Cooper earned $32 million domestically and $48.8 million overseas. The Super Mario Brothers Movie is in 3rd place, earning $9.8 million.
Fourth place goes to Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton and Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen in Book Club: The Next Chapter. The film Evil Dead Rise scared up more than $2.3 million while John Wick: Chapter 4 grabbed the 6th place and earned $1.33 million. Accordingly, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is in 7th place with $1.32 million. Hypnotic is in eighth place with just $825 thousand and Love Again, starring Priyanka Chopra Jones came up in ninth place with $400 thousand. The tenth is Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. The comic adventure unearthed treasure is worth $385 thousand.
