Dwayne Johnson confirms he will not be returning for the upcoming Fast & Furious 10 or Fast & Furious 11. The actor first joined the franchise in Fast Five as Agent Luke Hobbs of the US Diplomatic Security Service. Since his introduction into the franchise, Hobbs has become a staple member of Dom’s chosen family, while also getting his own spin off in Hobbs & Shaw.
Dwayne Johnson’s curious absence in the most recent franchise installment, F9, has reignited rumors of on-set infighting and tension. The rumors of feuding began in 2016, before the release of The Fate of the Furious, when Johnson posted an Instagram caption that criticized some of his male cast mates, which Johnson later confirmed was directed towards franchise star Vin Diesel. Soon after, beef between co-star Tyrese Gibson and Johnson became public when Gibson blamed Johnson for delaying F9 after being offered his own spin off in Hobbs & Shaw. That beef has since been squashed, however the beef between Diesel and Johnson is rumored to still be very much alive. Most recently, Diesel explained in an interview that he used tough love as a technique to get the performances out of actors he desired, calling it nearly “Felliniesque.” Though Johnson (somewhat unconvincingly) chalked up his absence in F9 to scheduling conflicts, it was widely believed that Johnson would appear again—especially since Fast & Furious director Justin Lin mentioned potentially having him in the 10th film.
However, in a new article with THR, Johnson asserted that Hobbs won’t be returning in Fast & Furious 10, or maybe even ever. When asked about Diesel’s recent comments, Johnson explained curtly that he thought they were funny. Not to leave any bad blood behind, Johnson stated that he wished everyone in the franchise the best, but did not mince words about his lack of motivation to be a part of its future—at least, not in the main Fast Saga.
“I laughed and I laughed hard. I think everyone had a laugh at that. And I’ll leave it at that. And that I’ve wished them well. I wish them well on Fast 9. And I wish them the best of luck on Fast 10 and Fast 11 and the rest of the Fast & Furious movies they do that will be without me.”
Though it’s up in the air on whether Johnson’s absence was due to scheduling conflicts, it’s becoming easier to imagine that it wasn’t. Although, Johnson is certainly incredibly busy. At the time, he was slated to start production on his upcoming film for Netflix, Red Notice, which also starred former Fast & Furious star Gal Gadot. Though filming was delayed due to the pandemic, Johnson was also developing his biopic series for NBC, Young Rock. He is currently doing press for his upcoming Disney film alongside Emily Blunt, Jungle Cruise. Even more anticipated is his role in the upcoming Black Adam film, in which he plays the titular DC hero, which just recently finished filming. Johnson admits that portraying Black Adam is likely his hardest role yet.
Whatever the case, it is disappointing for Fast & Furious fans to hear that Hobbs may not be a part of the culmination of the franchise’s main saga, which will reportedly end with the 11th film. Though he was a side character, Hobbs became a true part of Dom’s family—and Johnson’s on-screen charisma with the other cast members will certainly be missed. Hopefully, the two actors can work something out to change Johnson’s mind. Though, viewers won’t miss Hobbs for long as Johnson is definitely returning in the next Hobbs & Shaw film.
Source: THR
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