Dwayne Johnson and Universal Pictures have announced today that The Rock is rejoining the Fast & Furious franchise, which should really be a surprise to no one after his unexpected cameo during the post-credits of the recently released Fast X.
However, before reuniting with Vin Diesel and the Fast Family in 2025's Fast X: Part 2, Johnson will headline his own Luke Hobbs spinoff film. He reveals, "The next Fast & Furious film you’ll see the legendary lawman in will be the HOBBS movie that will serve as a fresh, new chapter & set up for FAST X: Part II"
The Hollywood Reporter adds that this will not be a Hobbs & Shaw sequel, but will essentially be a Fast X.5 and pick up after the events of the post-credits with Hobbs getting a call from Jason Momoa's Fast X baddie Dante, who Johnson seems to indicate will also be the villain of the spinoff.
Additional cast members from the extended Fast & Furious family will also appear, but the on-screen reunion between Diesel and Johnson won't happen until Fast X: Part 2, at the earliest.
Chris Morgan is scripting the spinoff and producing. Johnson and Diesel are both onboard as producers, alongside their respective companies, Seven Bucks Productions and One Race.
As for his nearly seven-year feud with Diesel, he finally confirmed that he and the franchise's leading man buried the hatched last year, saying "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."
Considering Fast X: Part 2 already has a release window, Universal may be planning on shooting this Hobbs film a lot sooner than expected, especially if they plan on getting it out before 2025.
To date, Fast X has grossed $544.3 million on an estimated - and insane - $340M production budget, so it still has a ways to go to reach profitability, but it seems as though the studio is banking on the latest installment reigniting the franchise's dwindling flame and hopefully set the stage for a massive finale, although whether it happens in 2025 or 2030 is anyone's guess.
Check out his full video message below: