Dwayne Johnson is one of the biggest actors in Hollywood at the moment, and the former wrestler has starred in some of the biggest movie franchises throughout his career. However, it looks like the actor will not be returning to the Fast & Furious series, with Jason Momoa stepping into a similar role.
Johnson first appeared in Fast Five as the US Diplomatic Security Service agent Luke Hobbs. The actor has appeared in four mainline titles and a spin-off Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw alongside actor Jason Statham.
The Black Adam star recently made it clear that he was not going to be part of the final two movies in the franchise. This is due to an ongoing spat with Fast and Furious mainstay Vin Diesel. Diesel previously stated that he wants The Rock to return to the franchise for the last two movies.
"My little brother Dwayne… the time has come. The world awaits the finale of Fast 10," Diesel wrote on Instagram. "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[Paul Walker]. I swore that we would reach and manifest the best Fast in the finale that is 10!" Diesel adds. "I say this out of love… but you must show up, do not leave the franchise idle you have a very important role to play. Hobbs can’t be played by no other. I hope that you rise to the occasion and fulfill your destiny."
While the post was met with excitement from fans, Johnson did not appreciate the gesture, suggesting that the post was an "example of his manipulation." The actor explains, "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."
Enter Jason Momoa
Johnson’s absence has left a gaping hole in the franchise. The pro wrestler will be replaced by another DC superhero in Jason Momoa. The first trailer for the upcoming Fast X movie has already revealed Momoa’s character Dante Reyes.
Reyes is the son of Hernan Reyes and is seeking revenge against Dom and the rest of the crew. According to Momoa, the villain is "very sadistic and androgynous and he's a bit of a peacock… He's got a lot of issues, this guy. He's definitely got some daddy issues"
Diesel, acting as a producer of the franchise, has moved on from Johnson. As reported by The Sun, an insider revealed that Diesel has put his beef with Johnson behind him. "Vin isn’t looking in the rearview mirror on this issue, he’s thinking about the future and right now, the future doesn’t include a reconciliation with Dwayne," the source said.
"In fact, Vin is intent on topping the box office of all the movies that included Dwayne with Fast X, and the studio is supporting him. Nobody is telling Vin to stuff his pride and make nice with Dwayne. Vin’s vision for these movies is being supported in full, end of story."
Will Jason Momoa be a worthy replacement for Dwayne Johnson? We will find out when Fast X opens in theaters on May 19, 2023.
