Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has turned down an invitation from Vin Diesel to return to the Fast & Furious franchise, even though the actors are preparing for the final films in the series.

Through an Instagram post in November, Diesel requested that Johnson, a former WWE wrestler, return to the role of secret agent Lucas Hobbs in the upcoming film.

“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,” wrote Diesel.

“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!”

“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.”\

However, in a new interview with CNN, Johnson responded to the public request with criticism saying that he and Diesel had already previously reached an agreement in private about his role in the franchise.

“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,” Johnson said.

“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.”

He went on to wish the film, as well as its stars, continued luck and success in the future.

“My goal all along was to end my amazing journey with this incredible franchise with gratitude and grace,” Johnson said. “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.”

In “Hobbs & Shaw,” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Statham star. Image credit: Universal Pictures
A member of the Fast & Furious franchise since 2011, Johnson debuted in Fast Five (2011). Although Johnson’s character eventually sides with Agent Hobbs, Diesel’s Dominic Toretto, the two actors’ characters were initially antagonists. 

Johnson left the main series after his 2017 performance in The Fate of the Furious, but he and Jason Statham co-starred in a spin-off in 2019 called Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.