Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson confirms return to Fast & Furious franchise

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has confirmed he’s returning to the Fast & Furious franchise for a spin-off based on his “legendary lawman” character Hobbs.

A year ago, his future in the film series was clouded by doubt amid his feud with Vin Diesel, a longtime mainstay of the movies.

But in last month’s release, Fast X, Dwayne delighted and surprised fans by appearing briefly as Hobbs in a mid-credits scene.

Now, in a new Instagram post this Wednesday, he confirmed that the cameo was the prelude to a full-blown comeback for his character.

The 53-year-old also spoke about his falling out with Vin, writing: ‘Last summer @vindiesel and I put all the past behind us. We lead with brotherhood and determination – always caring for the franchise, characters and FANS we love.”

Hunk-tastic: A year ago, his future in the film series was clouded by doubt amid his feud with longtime mainstay of the movies Vin Diesel; depicted in Fast & Furious 6 in 2013

Dwayne shared the sensational news in the caption of an Instagram video of him wearing a lei while standing on a balcony with a dazzling view of the ocean.

“Hope you’ve got your funderwear on…,” the Billions heartthrob teased, crowing, “HOBBS IS BACK. And he just got hired.’

Dwayne explained, “Luke Hobbs is returning to the Fast & Furious franchise. Your reactions around the world to Hobbs’ return in Fast X have blown us away.”

He added, “The next Fast & Furious movie where you’ll see the legendary cop will be the HOBBS movie which will serve as a fresh new chapter and setup for FASTX: Part II.”

After revealing that he’d mended fences with Vin, The Rock wrote, “I’ve built my career on an ‘Audience First’ mentality and that will always serve as my North Star.”

The Hollywood hunk continued: “Congratulations to my Fast Family & Universal Studios on the worldwide success of FAST X and as always, Hobbs & @SevenBucksProd [the production company Dwayne founded with his ex-wife Dany Garcia] are motivated to take the Fast franchise to new and exciting places for fans around the world.”

He concluded his post by quoting one of his character’s lines in the 2015 film Furious 7: “Daddy’s gotta go to work.”

Dwayne joined the series for the 2011 feature film Fast Five and remained on board through the 2017 film The Fate Of The Furious, the eighth in the chronology.

His character Luke Hobbes was such a hit with viewers that he also helmed a spin-off in 2019 called Hobbes And Shaw alongside action heartthrob Jason Statham.

However, The Rock was absent from F9 – and in an emotional Instagram post in November 2021, Vin begged him to return to the fold.

Vin referred to Dwayne as “my little brother” and even referred to their late co-star Paul Walker, who had tragically died in a car accident eight years earlier.

Vin used his nickname for Paul, writing in his Instagram appeal to The Rock, “I told you years ago that I would keep my promise to Pablo. I vowed that we would reach and manifest the best Fast in the final which is 10!’

Vin’s post also included a nod to his own family: “As you know, my kids call you Uncle Dwayne in my house. There isn’t a holiday that goes by that she and you don’t send well wishes…but it’s here.’

Dwayne responded by telling CNN: “I was very surprised by Vin’s recent post. Last June, when Vin and I weren’t actually interacting on social media, I told him directly — and privately — that I wouldn’t be returning to the franchise.”

The Rock lashed out at his former co-star, saying, “Vin’s recent public post was an example of his manipulation. I didn’t like that he raised his kids on the post, as well as the death of Paul Walker. Leave them out.’

However, he had warm words for the franchise, noting, “My goal all along has been to end my amazing journey with this incredible Fast And Furious franchise with gratitude and grace. It is a pity that this public dialogue has clouded the waters.’