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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has enjoyed a greatly diversified career. Having started in sports before moving his way into film and television, “The Rock” has earned his name as a full-fledged action star and Hollywood A-lister. After enjoying a diverse career as a footballer, wrestler, and actor, Johnson famously starred in the Fast and Furious film franchise alongside the likes of Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, and Michelle Rodriguez. Spanning the course of ten action-packed films, the Fast and Furious franchise centered most of its plot lines around fast cars, women, spies, and the bonds of family.
It was a thoroughly rugged and entertaining franchise which resulted in the development of various spin-offs, video game adaptations, and even theme park attractions. Upon joining the franchise in 2011, Dwayne Johnson was already well established. Nonetheless, his role came to become greatly prized within the series — making it all the more shocking that he is now officially done with the main Fast and Furious franchise.
Career Overview
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson got his start in the world of professional football, in which he established himself as a linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League. His football career was short-lived, giving way to his much more prolific career as a professional wrestler. He fought for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), The Nation of Domination, and the WWE. His time with the WWF led to his stardom, with his record-breaking world championships. His stardom in sports soon led to his transition into mainstream media as he made guest appearances in music videos and comedy shows. As he retired from wrestling, this eventually gave way to a full-fledged mainstream acting career.
Fast and Furious Role and Reception
Joining the franchise as the courageous and tactful Luke Hobbs, Johnson starred as the bounty hunter set to capture Vin Diesel's Dom Toretto. The son of a Samoan woman and mysterious criminal, Hobbs grows up to fight crime as a member of the Diplomatic Security Service, which works closely in tandem with the CIA. As he hunts Toretto and his crew, he eventually allies himself with the group and forms a significant friendship with Toretto. Over the course of the following films, Toretto and Hobbs come to agreements and alliances, ultimately leading them to join forces. The Fast and Furious franchise has become one of the most popular action franchises in film history, though critical reception was not always strongly in its favor. At best, the films have been lauded as thrilling drama, and at its worst chided as CGI-reliant and over-the-top.
Fallout with Vin Diesel
The reason why Dwayne Johnson will not be returning to the main Fast and Furious franchise is because of a rather simple reason. He has some trouble with his co-star, Vin Diesel. Unlike their on-screen camaraderie, the two actors have not gotten along for quite some time now. Most recently, Johnson called Diesel manipulative upon the statements made by Diesel regarding Diesel's children as well as the late Paul Walker would be featured in the next film of the franchise. Johnson was quoted as saying: “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.” he further added “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 later took to social media to vaguely slam his male co-stars, explaining that the rage his character exhibits was a reflection of his actual anger towards some on set. As for what sparked this bitter feud? Diesel claims it was all merely out of his mentorship of Johnson when he entered the franchise. Johnson would likely beg to differ.
Current Career News
Most recently, Dwayne Johnson has starred in Black Adam, the box office failure of which has been the cause of much speculation and controversy within the DC studios. This comes among the great number of changes implemented in the cinematic universe, including the dismissal of Henry Cavill as Superman. Despite refusing to return to the main franchise, Johnson returned to his role as Hobbs in a Fast and Furious spinoff, Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw. Though the actor is done with his Fast and Furious co-stars, he is not lacking in work. Upcoming projects include Red One, San Andreas 2, and Big Trouble in Little China. How these films perform is yet to be seen, but the versatility and durability of Johnson’s career so far would indicate that his career will remain strong for years to come.