Dwayne Johnson announces surprise return to the Fast & Furious franchise

His character made a cameo in the most recent flick, Fast X.

Dwayne Johnson has announced that he will in fact be returning to the Fast & Furious franchise for an upcoming spinoff. The actor, who plays agent Luke Hobbs in the films, previously left the franchise after falling out with co-star Vin Diesel. The clash led to a public spat over social media in which Johnson said there was "no chance" of a return. Johnson starred in the 2019 spinoff Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw alongside Jason Statham, which was seemingly his last within the universe. However, a surprise mid-credits cameo in the most recent film, Fast X, teased his return. In a video posted on Twitter on Thursday, Johnson said: "So I am 100% confirming to you guys around the world that yes, it is true. Hobbs is back. Hobbs is back in the Fast & Furious franchise."

Hope you’ve got your funderwear on…

HOBBS IS BACK. And he just got lei’d ?? Luke Hobbs will be returning to the Fast & Furious franchise. Your reactions around the world to Hobbs’ return in Fast X have blown us away ???? The next Fast & Furious film you’ll see the… pic.twitter.com/vvtBgTBOnl — Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 1, 2023

This new project will not be a spinoff like Hobbs & Shaw. It's set to bridge the gap between Fast X and the upcoming Fast 11, so could be seen more as a Fast 10.5. According to sources at The Hollywood Reporter, an on-screen reunion between Johnson and Diesel is not on the cards as Diesel's character, Dominic Toretto, will not make an appearance in the movie. Johnson is producing the film alongside Diesel though. In his post, the 51-year-old stated, "Last summer Vin and I put all the past behind us. We’ll lead with brotherhood and resolve - and always take care of the franchise, characters & FANS that we love." Longtime Fast & Furious collaborator Chris Morgan wrote the untitled film’s script, also marking his return to the franchise. Morgan was not involved with either F9 or Fast X. Fast X is currently out in Irish cinemas.

Related articles:

• One of the BBC's most popular crime dramas is now available on the RTÉ Player
• Sex and the City star reportedly to make shock return in sequel series
• Casualty's best-known character is leaving the show after 37 years
• Fast X director plans to set Fast & Furious 11 scenes in Ireland