Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has finally responded to Vin Diesel after the Fast and Furious stars Instagram post inviting Johnson back into the fold for the final two Fast and Furious movies.

Diesel and Johnson have had a very public falling out, and Johnson has been absent from the main Fast and Furious franchise since Fate of The Furious. In an interview with CNN, Johnson denied the request and criticized Diesel for making it public when the two already had an agreement in private.

1. Dwayne Johnson Responds To VIn Diesel's Public Invitation

In November, Diesel posted on Instagram, inviting and goading Johnson to make amends and return to Fast and Furious, saying:

“The world awaits the finale of ‘Fast 10…as you know, my children refer to you as Uncle Dwayne in my house. There is not a holiday that goes by that they and you don’t send well wishes… but the time has come. Legacy awaits. I told you years ago that I was going to fulfill my promise to Pablo. I swore that we would reach and manifest the best Fast in the finale that is 10!”

Johnson has now responded to the infamous post, telling CNN:

“I told [Diesel] directly 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. Vin’s recent public post was an example of his manipulation. I didn’t like that he brought up his children in the post, as well as Paul Walker’s death. Leave them out of it. We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding.”

Johnson was not a fan of the public display and the manipulative manner in which Diesel’s post came off as. The beef between the two stars has been ongoing for years and it seems like Diesel may have added some more tension into the mix.

2. Dwayne Johnson Will Stay Supportive Of The Cast

Johnson wishes his “Fast family” well in their efforts to make the final two movies of its main line as successful as they can be saying:

“My goal all along was to end my amazing journey with this incredible franchise with gratitude and grace. It’s unfortunate that this public dialogue has muddied the waters. Regardless, I’m confident in the ‘Fast’ universe and its ability to consistently deliver for the audience… I truly wish my former co-stars and crew members the best of luck and success in the next chapter.”

Johnson joined the franchise with 2011’s Fast Five appearing in multiple movies and starting his own spinoff in the universe, Hobbs and Shaw. F9 was one of the most successful movies in the pandemic era, and the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. It’s just going to have to make do without The Rock.