Vin Diesel just gave a rare public nod to Dwayne The Rock Johnsonand its about more than just old Fast & Furious tension.
In an Instagram post, Diesel praised Johnsons performance in The Smashing Machine, the upcoming A24 biopic about UFC legend Mark Kerr, and reflected on their past as both collaborators and rivals in Hollywood.
The post wasnt just about The Rock. Diesel opened up about his personal relationship with Mark Kerr, calling the former UFC champion one of his earliest friends when he moved to California.
Diesel also revealed that Kerr played a role in launching his action career by helping train him for his role in the first XXX movie. But what turned heads most was Diesel giving real props to The Rocka man hes famously clashed with over the years behind the scenes of the Fast & Furious franchise. Instead of reigniting old tension, Diesel chose respect and reflection.
Diesel said Johnson fully committed to the role of Hobbs and left an indelible mark on Universals character hall of fame. His message wasnt just about the pasttheyre both in different lanes now, but Diesel made it clear hes rooting for The Rocks success in The Smashing Machine. He also celebrated Kerrs long-overdue recognition, tying it to the power of storytelling:
Diesel gave love to the films cast as well, shouting out Mark Colemans inclusion and Bas Ruttens performance as stellar. Diesel gave love to the films cast as well, shouting out Mark Colemans inclusion and Bas Ruttens performance as stellar.
This feels like a full-circle momentpast grudges seemingly left behind, respect given where its due, and recognition for a story thats long deserved the spotlight.
Do you think this could mean a real truce between Vin Diesel and The Rock? Would you want to see them reunite on screen? Drop your take in the comments and let us know what you think of The Smashing Machine hype.
