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What If The Rock Had Never Exited Fast & Furious

The Rock exited the main Fast and Furious movies after The Fate of the Furious, and the franchise would have been very different had Dwayne Johnson’s Hobbs returned for F9. One of the main reasons why Fast and Furious became a box office juggernaut, The Rock joined the franchise in 2011 for Fast Five. Dwayne Johnson’s journey into becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars owes a lot to Fast and Furious, just like Fast and Furious enormous success in the 2010s owes a lot to The Rock. That mutual collaboration came to an end in 2017, and while both the actor and the franchise moved forward, Hobb’s absence in F9 didn’t go unnoticed.

The Rock’s exit from Fast and Furious traces back to the feud between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson. The stars reportedly did not get along on set, to the point Diesel and Johnson did not shoot a single scene together in The Fate of the Furious despite Hobbs and Dom sharing many scenes throughout the movie. After at least two years of a public feud between Vin Diesel and The Rock and the announcement of a Hobbs spinoff, it was no surprise that Hobbs didn’t return for F9. From Hobbs & Shaw not happening to Dom not having a brother, here’s how The Rock never exiting Fast and Furious would have changed the franchise.

Related: Fast & Furious 10 Continues To Fuel Your Time Travel Theories

Hobbs & Shaw Doesn’t Happen
Shaw and Hobbs in the rain in Hobbs & Shaw

The release of The Fate of the Furious was not the end of the behind-the-scenes drama, as The Rock would later announce that a Fast and Furious spinoff movie featuring Hobbs and Shaw was happening. Hobbs and Shaw had already been given a lot of focus in The Fate of the Furious, with the unlikely duo receiving their own mini-arc throughout the film. Both former villains who were now part of Dominic Toretto’s family, Hobbs and Shaw did seem like they could sustain a spinoff – especially after the prison break fight. Still, had The Rock never parted ways with Vin Diesel and the main Fast and Furious franchise, a spinoff would not have happened – at least not immediately after The Fate of the Furious.

John Cena Doesn’t Join Fast & Furious
The Rock Fast and furious return to chase down Jakob Toretto

While Fast and Furious often brings big casting additions for new installments, the arrival of John Cena right after The Rock exited the series was no coincidence. There are not many actors who can easily replace The Rock’s role in a franchise, and the idea that Fast and Furious could look for John Cena after Dwayne Johnson’s exit had been speculated by many people before it even happened. John Cena’s journey into an action star mirrored that of The Rock, and Cena’s career by the time of F9 resembled Dwayne Johnson’s own career at the time of Fast Five. Whether the saga was focusing too much on Hobbs depends on what audiences expect from a Fast and Furious film, but it cannot be denied that the franchise needed action stars like The Rock and John Cena.

Dom Toretto’s Past Isn’t Retconned
Vin diesel John cena Jakob Dominic toretto

If John Cena never joins Fast and Furious to replace The Rock, then Jakob Toretto is never created. Therefore, Dominic Toretto’s backstory is never retconned. There was nothing in the first eight Fast and Furious films to even suggest that Dom and Mia could have a brother, which is a significant thing for a story so focused on Toretto’s family. Dom had told his entire life story to Brian in The Fast and the Furious but never mentioned a lost brother. It’s clear that F9’s Dominic Toretto retcon was to weave Jakob Toretto into the story, and while it made for a quicker introduction of John Cena’s character, it completely changed Dom and Mia’s story from past Fast and Furious films.

F9 Doesn’t Focus That Much On Toretto
Vin Diesel as Dom working on a car in F9

Having The Rock playing an antagonist who later becomes part of Dominic Toretto’s family helped the Fast and Furious movies not rely too much on Dom. Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto had been the face of the franchise along with Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner since the very first movie. After Walker’s tragic passing, it was up to Diesel to carry on the saga the two had started in 2001. Still, after several movies focused on Dom and his family, Fast and Furious was becoming repetitive. Once a flawed ant-hero, Toretto became a predictable character who always succeeded in the end. F9 mistakenly made Toretto the only focus of the story, a problem that would not have happened if Hobbs was in the movie.

Related: Fast Five Had A Dom & Hobbs Scene That Changed Fast & Furious Forever

Jason Statham’s Shaw Returns For F9 (& Improves Han’s Reveal)
Deckard Shaw and Han Lue from Fast and Furious

The Rock’s exit from Fast and Furious and the release of Hobbs & Shaw also led to Jason Statham’s Deckard Shaw not being in F9. It is still unclear whether Jason Statham’s Shaw will return in Fast X or Fast & Furious 11, but Shaw’s absence from F9 was missed. After The Fate of the Furious surprised audiences by having Dominic Toretto and his family become friends of Shaw despite the former villain killing Han in Furious 7, campaigns for Fast and Furious to give “Justice For Han” began. F9 eventually retconned The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and Furious 7 to reveal that Han was alive all this time, yet it was not clear how exactly Mr. Nobody and Han pulled off that fake-out.

Shaw was not part of Mr. Nobody and Han’s fake-out, at least not according to what was explained in F9. Mr. Nobody simply knew that Shaw was going to attack Han on that specific day and place. While that is a good enough explanation for a saga that had already brought Letty back from the dead in Fast Five, Shaw being in F9 would have improved the Han reveal. Audiences still do not know what exactly Han thinks of Shaw or what the crew felt about working with the man who had seemingly killed their friend – two storylines that would for sure have been part of F9 had Jason Statham returned for the movie.

Hobbs Doesn’t Miss Fast X & Fast 11
Vin diesel the rock Hobbs return for Fast and furious 10

The Rock is not returning for Fast X, and at this point, it is very unlikely that Hobbs will be in Fast & Furious 11. Still, despite all the behind-the-scenes drama, concluding the Fast and Furious franchise without Hobbs as part of it is disappointing. The Rock starred in four of the nine main Fast and Furious movies, and Hobbs has been a part of the highest-grossing Fast and Furious movies, The Fate of the Furious and Furious 7, both of which crossed the billion-dollar mark at the box office. Hobbs joined the Fast and Furious franchise more than ten years ago, and his journey from enemy to friend is what essentially turned Dominic Toretto’s crew into global special agents.

Fast X and Fast & Furious 11 are set to be a celebration of the saga, yet they will not be complete without Hobbs. The Rock’s chapter in Fast and Furious history is way too big to be ignored in the saga’s ultimate finale, but it is still difficult to imagine how Hobbs could be incorporated into Fast X and Fast & Furious 11 given the behind-the-scenes component. Curiously, Vin Diesel openly asked for Dwayne Johnson to return for Fast X in an Instagram post, but there is currently no indication that the feud between Diesel and Johnson has come to an end. With Hobbs & Shaw 2 still not happening, it remains to be seen if The Rock will ever play Fast and Furious’ Luke Hobbs again.

Next: Making Fast & Furious All About Dominic Toretto Was A Mistake

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Fast & Furious 11 Needs Hobbs Vs. Dom (To End The Rock & Vin Diesel’s Feud)

Summary

Fast and Furious 11 needs to feature an epic fight between The Rock and Vin Diesel to resolve the real-life feud and bring closure to their characters’ relationship. The clash between Dom and Hobbs in Fast Five was a game-changer, and revisiting that epic confrontation in Fast 11 would elevate the action and add nostalgia. A showdown between Dom and Hobbs in Fast 11 could serve as a decisive moment of reconciliation, reaffirming the underlying themes of family and unity in the franchise.

Now that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has returned to the Fast Saga, Fast and Furious 11 needs to include an epic fight between Johnson and Vin Diesel. In the high-octane world of the Fast and Furious franchise, the thrill of fast cars and heart-stopping action has always been amplified by the magnetic on-screen chemistry between its stars. However, a real-life feud between The Rock and Vin Diesel has been brewing since 2016. Director Louis Leterrier achieved the impossible by bringing The Rock back into the fold. Now, he must find a way to reunite Luke Hobbs and Dominic Toretto on-screen.

Ever since Fate of the Furious, the void left by The Rock’s absence has grown more conspicuous. The actor’s feud with Vin Diesel has cast a shadow over the franchise, making it increasingly difficult for the writers and directors to craft a cohesive narrative. As Fast Saga fans await the next installment, all eyes are on Leterrier to weave a compelling story that not only showcases jaw-dropping action but also offers a chance for Hobbs and Dom to partake in an epic showdown.

Hobbs & Dom Fighting In Fast & Furious 11 Would Bring Their Arc Full Circle
Vin Diesel's Dom confronts Dwayne Johnson's Hobbs in Fast Five

Fast X and Fast and Furious 11 act as sequels to Fast Five in many ways, so it makes perfect sense for the upcoming installment to build on the fight scene between Dom and Hobbs from Fast Five. The clash between the two powerhouse characters left an indelible mark on fans. Revisiting that epic confrontation could elevate the adrenaline-fueled action and add a layer of nostalgia to Fast and Furious 11. Now that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has had a change of heart and returned to the Fast Saga, the anticipation for a rematch between his and Vin Diesel’s characters has reached a fever pitch.

Dom and Hobbs’ showdown in Fast Five was a game-changer for the franchise, propelling it to new heights with its intensity and raw energy. Given the unresolved tension between the two stars in real life, a meticulously crafted fight scene in Fast 11 has the potential to invigorate the climax of the series and provide a cathartic experience for the actors and fans alike. As Fast 11 may be the final chapter in the Fast and Furious universe, all eyes are on this anticipated clash. Hopefully, a brotherly fight will be the defining moment that brings harmony back to the Fast Saga family.

The Rock & Vin Diesel Can Put Their Feud To Rest On Screen
Hobbs holding on to Dom in Fast and Furious 5

Vin Diesel and The Rock’s personal history adds a layer of complexity to any potential fight between their characters in Fast and Furious 11. Given their real-life feud, it’s unlikely either actor would be portrayed as the clear winner or loser. Moreover, from a storytelling perspective, it would be counterproductive to have Dom excessively harm or kill Hobbs or vice versa. However, as the series approaches its potential end, a showdown between Dom and Hobbs could serve as a decisive moment of reconciliation. After all, throughout the Fast and Furious films, audiences have witnessed a recurring pattern of men engaging in physical conflicts before eventually forming unbreakable bonds.

For instance, Fast and Furious sees Dom and Brian’s tumultuous relationship evolve into a deep brotherly connection after a series of knock-down, drag-out fights. This same sort of understanding between Dom and Hobbs would reaffirm the underlying themes of reconciliation and family that have contributed to the franchise’s enduring popularity. By embracing the notion that they are, in a sense, brothers, Dom and Hobbs could mend their on-screen relationship and deliver a broader message of unity. This would ultimately give fans a satisfying conclusion to their relationship in Fast and Furious 11.

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Vin Diesel Posts Paul Walker Tribute On 10th Anniversary Of His Death

Summary

Vin Diesel shares a touching tribute to Paul Walker 10 years after the actor’s tragic death on November 30, 2013. Diesel expresses that “more smiles manage to break through the tears” as years pass because he knows his bond with Walker will be stronger than ever when they eventually reunite. Walker’s character, Brian O’Connor, remains alive in the world of Fast and Furious, and Diesel has previously teased that the franchise won’t end without a proper farewell to Brian and Walker.

Fast and Furious star Vin Diesel takes to social media to share a touching tribute to Paul Walker, 10 years after the actor’s death. First released in 2001, the debut installment in the long-running Fast and Furious franchise introduces Diesel as Dominic Toretto and Walker as Brian O’Connor. Both characters would return for a number of sequels, but Walker tragically passed away on November 30, 2013, during the production of Furious 7.

Now, on the 10th anniversary of Walker’s passing, Diesel has shared a touching tribute post on Instagram to honor his late Fast and Furious costar. Check out the actor’s emotional post below:

Accompanying an image of Walker with one of his daughters, Diesel reminisces about an important lesson learned from the late actor and how his legacy still lives on today. Diesel’s full caption is included below:

I was listening to a song this morning…‘That Lucky Old Sun’… thought of you, racing around Heaven all day. Hahaha…
The family of the Mourning, feels like it has grown since a decade ago… feel’s like that experience of losing someone is far too common today. Leaving more and more of us in search for meaning, trying to make sense of this complex existence…
Oh, I have finally understood what you use to do with the phone, “phone Fasting”… you had the insight to turn off your phone for long stretches of time. I started this year to do just that. You used to say, Vin and I can go years without talking, and our brotherhood will always be stronger than we left it, the ones who truly love you will always be there.
Amen to that.
This is one of my favorite images ever taken… You knew how proud I was when my daughter, the Alpha Angel, your niece would play the piano… well last night she was playing Moonlight Sonata… it took me back to the night before she was born. Me and you were working late… you were telling me that the best moment in life would be witnessing my child being born. That priceless smile you had when I told you the next day that I had cut the umbilical cord…
The next song she started playing on the piano is by an artist you would have loved, named Billie Eilish, ‘What was I made for’… when she started to play, the other angels all came and joined her at the piano and they started singing… wow…emotions… angels, I know you were listening.
After ten years… I know these days of beautiful remembrance will be filled with tears. But as time rolls on, with each year that passes… more smiles manage to break through the tears. Cause I know, when I see you again… our brotherhood will be stronger than we left it.
Miss you.

Will Brian Be Seen Again In Fast & Furious?
Furious 7 Reveals How Paul Walker’s Character Can Return
CGI Paul Walker in Furious 7.

Walker’s death in November 2013 came with a great deal of sadness, but it also created problems for the Furious 7 production, which was about halfway done. It was ultimately decided that Walker’s remaining scenes would be completed with a digital recreation of the actor, with his two brothers, Cody and Caleb Walker, serving as body doubles. Although Walker may have passed away, Brian remains alive and well within the world of the films, though he has not been seen in the flesh since Furious 7’s emotional ending.

The closet audiences have come to seeing Brian again (outside of the flashbacks featured in Fast X) is at the end of F9: The Fast Saga, when the character’s iconic Nissan Skyline pulls up at Dom’s house. This summer’s Fast X supposedly sets up the conclusion of the franchise in an 11th and potentially 12th installment (in addition to the announced Dwayne Johnson Luke Hobbs spinoff movie), and it’s very likely that the final movie will see Brian return in some capacity.

Diesel has also essentially teased as much, telling Total Film (via GamesRadar) earlier this year: “I couldn’t imagine this saga ending without truly saying goodbye to Brian O’Conner.” It’s unclear if this will mean a substantial digital recreation of the actor for extended portions of the film or a quick cameo at the very end, but it seems like audiences haven’t seen the last of Brian just yet. Even in death, Walker remains a key pillar of Fast and Furious, and it’s fitting that the final film will feature another heartfelt goodbye to further honor the late actor.

Source: Vin Diesel/ Instagram

Fast and Furious 11 temp poster

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All 4 Fast & Furious Heroes Who Stayed Dead (& Which One Is Most Likely To Return)

Summary

Fast & Furious franchise is known for bringing back dead characters, but there are a few heroes who have remained dead. Jack Toretto, Dom’s father, died in a racing accident and his death should not be undone in the franchise. Jesse, a member of Dom’s crew, was killed in a drive-by shooting, while Vince was killed during an ambush. Elena, Dom’s love interest, was killed by the villain Cipher.

The Fast & Furious franchise has brought many characters back from the dead, but a handful of its heroes have remained killed off after their demise. The Fast Saga has taken its characters on a wild ride from street racing to the most outlandish adventures possible. The running theme of the Fast & Furious franchise has long been family, with Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) building quite a large family indeed over the course of the Fast Saga’s run.

On top of its embrace of ridiculous, superhuman feats as a staple of its action scenes, the Fast & Furious movies are also well known for bringing back seemingly dead characters for more missions. The returns of Sung Kang’s Han in F9 and Gal Gadot’s Gisele Yashar in Fast X would be especially noteworthy in emphasizing the notion that no Fast & Furious death is irreversible. However, that is not entirely true, as there have been a few Fast & Furious heroes who have died and never come back.

RELATED: 10 Fast & Furious Characters Who Must Return In New Hobbs Spinoff

4 Jack Toretto
An image of Jack Toretto driving a car in F9

Jack Toretto (J.D. Pardo) is the father of Dom, Mia (Jordana Brewster), and Jakob Toretto (John Cena), and is first seen in a flashback to 1989 in F9. Jack is a highly skilled race car driver who instilled that talent in his children, with Dom and Jakob being part of his racing pit crew. However, Jack’s racing career took a tragic turn when his car malfunctioned and crashed, killing him. Dom later beat his father’s racing opponent, Kenny Linder (Jim Parrack), almost to death with a wrench, believing him responsible for his father’s demise.

This tragedy also led to Dom and Jakob falling out, with Dom later coming to believe that Jakob set up their father’s death since he was the last one to work on his car. However, Jack was intentionally attempting to throw the race in order to get his family out of debt. He had asked Jakob to help tinker with his car so that it would fail, with Jack’s death being unintentional on both their parts. While his return has been theorized by fans, of all the characters killed off in Fast & Furious, Jack Toretto’s death should never be retconned.

3 Jesse
Jesse in The Fast and the Furious pic

One of the early members of Dom’s family in the original The Fast and the Furious, Jesse (Chad Lindberg) was the brains of Dom’s crew in his enterprise of stealing DVD players. Jesse went on the run after losing a street race to Dom’s rival, Johnny Tran (Rick Yune), having bet his MK3 Volkswagen Jetta in the race. Jesse was later killed outside of Dom’s house when Johnny Tran and his associate Lance Nguyen (Reggie Lee) arrived and performed a drive-by shooting. Dom and Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) then chased down Johnny Tran and Lance Nguyen to avenge their fallen friend.

2 Vince
fast and furious 5 vince

Vince (Matt Schulze) was another member of Dom’s crew in The Fast & the Furious, and he was badly injured during a truck heist in that first movie. After his recovery, Vince fled to Rio de Janeiro where he later reunited with Dom and family in Fast Five. Despite Vince having settled down with a wife and a baby son, he agreed to join Dom’s daring heist of Rio’s most feared crime boss Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida). Unfortunately, Vince was killed during an ambush by Reyes’s team. After successfully pulling off the heist, Dom left Vince’s intended share of the money with his wife and son.

1 Elena
Elena Neves walks with her gun drawn by a car

Elena Neves (Elsa Pataky) worked alongside Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) in apprehending Dom and his crew in Fast Five. She and Dom gradually developed feelings for each other, however, and departed for Spain with Dom at the end of the movie. After Dom learned that his wife Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez) was still alive despite her apparent death in Fast & Furious, Dom and Elena had an amicable split, only for it to later be revealed that Elena is the mother of Dom’s son in The Fate of the Furious.

RELATED: How (& Where) To Watch The Fast & Furious Movies In Order By Release Date & Chronologically

After Elena was killed by the villainous Cipher (Charlize Theron), Dom and Letty raised the boy together, with the two naming him Brian after Brian O’Conner. Meanwhile, Dom later met Elena’s sister Isabel (Daniela Melchior), who joined Dom’s crew in Fast X. While Elena remains deceased as of Fast X, the arrival of her sister Isabel and Fast & Furious’s habit of not truly killing off characters makes her the most likely thought-to-be-dead hero to potentially return as the franchise speeds towards its finale.

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