Ever since Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson called an unnamed male co-star a “candy ass” on Facebook when production on Fate of the Furious was wrapping, everyone was buzzing about the behind-the-scenes drama.
Who was he talking about? Does he have a problem with Vin Diesel? The speculation was rampant, and only fueled by a bizarre Instagram video in which Diesel seemingly responded to the comments in vague terms.
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Then the rumors reached a boiling point with observations that the Rock and Diesel were barely seen together in the promotional appearances leading up to the latest Fast and Furious movie’s release date.
Now that we’re just a week away from Fate of the Furious finally hitting theaters, the other participant in the rumored feud has finally commented on the perception of hatred between he and the Rock, further muddying the waters than adding clarity.
While speaking with USA Today, Diesel said everything is cool between the two superstars, and that he doesn’t “think the world really realizes how close we are, in a weird way.”
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“I think some things may be blown out of proportion,” Diesel said, “I don’t think that was his intention. I know he appreciates how much I work this franchise. In my house, he’s Uncle Dwayne.”
Seemingly acknowledging that there were issues, Diesel chalked it up to his role in the film’s production.
“I protect the franchise. I protect everybody including Dwayne,” Diesel added. “I protected Dwayne more than he’ll ever know. And it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t have to know. But he appreciates it. He knows it … Dwayne has only got one Vin in his life. Dwayne Johnson only has one big brother in this film world and that’s me.”
Now, it’s hard to tell if Diesel is throwing shade at the Rock or if he’s being sincere—it’s almost like a Kendrick Lamar diss song. But he insist they still support each other.
“I’m always rooting for Dwayne. I’m the first multicultural megastar in Hollywood. They didn’t exist,” said Diesel. “To see another multicultural star come up is something I am very proud of. I’m always rooting Dwayne on. … It’s not always easy being an alpha. And it’s two alphas. Being an alpha is sometimes a pain in the (butt).”
Are you excited to see the Rock and Diesel’s characters duke it out when Dom turns his back on family in Fate of the Furious? Let us know with your vote in the Anticipation Rankings below!
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Now that Dom and Letty are on their honeymoon and Brian and Mia have retired from the game — and the rest of the crew has been exonerated — the globetrotting team has found a semblance of a normal life. But when a mysterious woman (Charlize Theron) seduces Dom into the world of crime he can’t seem to escape and a betrayal of those closest to him, they will face trials that will test them as never before.
From the shores of Cuba and the streets of New York City to the icy plains off the arctic Barents Sea, our elite force will crisscross the globe to stop an anarchist from unleashing chaos on the world’s stage…and to bring home the man who made them a family.
For The Fate of the Furious, Vin Diesel is joined by a returning all-star cast that includes Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Elsa Pataky and Kurt Russell. In addition to Theron, the series welcomes newcomers Scott Eastwood and Oscar winner Helen Mirren. The film is directed by F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton) and produced by returning producers Neal H. Moritz, Michael Fottrell and Diesel.
The Fate of the Furious opens in theaters April 14, 2017.
