Dwayne Johnson has replied to his former Fast & Furious co-star Vin Diesel’s request that he return for the high-octane film franchise’s conclusion last month.

Johnson claimed in an interview with CNN that he thought Diesel’s message was manipulative and that he didn’t appreciate how the actor referenced his children and the late Paul Walker. Johnson also said that he and Diesel had a private conversation in which he informed Diesel that he would not be returning.

“This past June, when Vin and I actually connected not over social media, I told him directly — and privately — that I would not be returning to the franchise,” Johnson stated. “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.”

“I privately spoke with my partners at Universal as well, all of whom were very supportive as they understand the problem,” he added.

Johnson stated, “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. We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding.”

“It’s unfortunate that this public dialogue has muddied the waters,” he says, “because my goal all along was to end my incredible journey with this incredible Fast & Furious franchise with gratitude and grace.”

“Regardless, I’m confident in the Fast universe and its ability to consistently deliver for the audience, and I truly wish my former co-stars and crew members the best of luck and success in the next chapter.”

The Instagram photo that Johnson is referring to is one that Diesel uploaded two months ago.

“My little brother Dwayne… the time has come,” he wrote. “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! 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.”

Johnson debuted as Luke Hobbs in the fifth chapter of the “Fast” series, “Fast Five,” in 2011, before departing from his co-stars to feature in his own spinoff film with Jason Statham, “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” which released in 2019.

Diesel, who debuted on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs list with 2020’s “Feel Like I Do,” hinted in June that Cardi B, who played Leysa in F9, will be returning to the tenth film. At the time, the action star added, “We are very excited to evolve her character and to expand it to the finale.”

“She made it just in time. She came in Fast 9 just in time.”

Universal announced earlier this month that the 10th installment of the Fast & Furious film series would now be released on May 19, 2023. The film was supposed to be released in theaters on April 7, 2023. Justin Lin will return to helm the first of two films that will write the franchise’s last chapters.

The tenth installment of the Fast & Furious franchise will be released on April 7, 2023. For the time being, the narrative and actors have been kept under wraps.