Takeaways:
- Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson publicly acknowledge each other at the 2025 Golden Globes.
- Their feud, which started in 2016, officially ended in 2023, paving the way for future collaborations.
- The duo will co-star again in the 11th installment of the Fast & Furious franchise.
Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson surprised audiences at the 2025 Golden Globes with a moment that symbolized reconciliation after years of public tension. While presenting the award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement to Wicked, Diesel paused to call out to Johnson in the audience, saying, “Hey, Dwayne.” Cameras captured Johnson’s smile, and laughter filled the room as fans reflected on their well-documented history.
The Infamous Feud: A Look Back
The Diesel-Johnson rift dates back to August 2016 when Johnson’s now-infamous Instagram post labeled an unnamed co-star a “chicken sh**” and “candy a**.” It didn’t take long for fans to deduce the comments were directed at Diesel. The tension reportedly stemmed from conflicting work ethics on the set of the Fast & Furious franchise.
Diesel later explained his perspective in a 2021 Men’s Health interview, describing his approach as “tough love” to help Johnson embody the demanding role of Luke Hobbs. According to Diesel, “Hobbs hits you like a ton of bricks. That took a lot of work, and sometimes tough love was necessary.”
Reconciliation and Moving Forward
Despite their on-set clashes, the two resolved their differences in 2023. Johnson’s surprise cameo as Luke Hobbs in Fast X during a mid-credits scene delighted fans and marked the official end of their feud. Reflecting on their reunion, Johnson shared on social media, “Last summer, Vin and I put all the past behind us. We’ll lead with brotherhood and resolve — always taking care of the franchise, characters, and FANS that we love.”
Their reconciliation sets the stage for an exciting future as both actors are confirmed to star in the 11th Fast & Furious installment. The film is expected to expand on Hobbs’ character arc and further cement the duo’s collaborative dynamic.
Industry Reactions
Fellow Fast co-star John Cena weighed in on the pair’s history during an appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast, calling the feud a “rumored clash of alphas.” Cena added, “When you have two driven personalities, tensions can arise, but it’s clear they’ve moved past that.”
A Testament to Professional Growth
The Diesel-Johnson saga underscores the challenges and rewards of collaboration in high-pressure environments. Their journey from adversaries to allies highlights the power of reconciliation and mutual respect. For fans of the franchise, their reunion brings renewed excitement and anticipation for the next chapter of Fast & Furious.
