In 2021, Dwayne Johnson claimed to have “directly” informed Vin Diesel that he “would not be returning to the franchise.”

Dwayne Johnson in Hobbs & Shaw (2019); Vin Diesel in Fast X (2023). IMAGES: FRANK MASI/UNIVERSAL; PETER MOUNTAIN/UNIVERSAL

Despite having previously declared he was done with the Fast and Furious franchise, Dwayne Johnson makes a surprise appearance as Luke Hobbs in the latest installment.

Johnson makes an unexpected cameo in a sequence towards the conclusion of the credits for Fast X, which opens in theaters on Friday, May 19, according to a report from The Wrap.

A Universal Pictures representative opted not to respond.

Fans last saw Johnson, 51, in a role for the 2019 spinoff starring Jason Statham and Shaw. Johnson first appeared in the Fast Five film series in 2011.

In the new film, which stars Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, John Cena, Rita Moreno, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, Charlize Theron, Nathalie Emmanuel, and more, Statham makes a comeback as Deckard Shaw. Meadow, the late Paul Walker’s daughter, also appears in the follow-up.

Johnson’s appearance appears two years after he publicly criticized Diesel, 55, and declared he would not be returning to the Fast and Furious franchise.

Diesel referred to Johnson as his “little brother” in an Instagram post from November 2021, and the actor was openly urged to return for the “finale of Fast 10.”

Vin Diesel and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2011. BUDA MENDES/LATINCONTENT IMAGE THROUGH GETTY

As you are aware, in our home, my kids call you Uncle Dwayne. Every holiday that passes is an opportunity for them and you to convey warm wishes. However, now is the appropriate moment. At that time, Diesel wrote, “Legacy awaits.”

“I promised you years ago that I would honor my commitment to Pablo,” he went on, making reference to Walker, who passed away in November of 2013. “I made a vow that we would arrive at and materialize the best quickly in the 10th finale! I speak from the heart here. However, you need to be present; don’t just sit around the franchise; you have a crucial part to play. Hobbs is unplayable by anybody else. I wish for you to rise to the challenge and achieve your goals.

A month later, Johnson expressed his amazement at the Instagram post, calling it “an example of his manipulation,” in an interview with CNN.

In December 2021, he told the outlet, “This past June, when Vin and I actually connected not over social media, I told him directly — and privately — that I would not be returning to the franchise.” “I stated that there was no chance I would return, but that I would always be supportive of the cast and root for the franchise to succeed in a firm but friendly manner.”

Johnson continued, “I also had a private conversation with my partners at Universal, and they were all very supportive as they understand the problem.”

Johnson went on, “I didn’t appreciate that he mentioned Paul Walker’s passing and his kids in the post. Don’t include them in it. We had discussed this over the course of several months and reached a consensus. My intention from the beginning has always been to part with this magnificent Fast & Furious franchise with grace and thanks. The fact that this public conversation has clouded the issues is regrettable.

At the moment, the actor expressed his confidence in the Fast universe and its capacity to provide continuously high-quality entertainment for viewers. He also expressed his sincere wish for the success and well-being of his former co-stars and crew members in the upcoming chapter.

Johnson had earlier stated to Vanity Fair in October 2021 that he would only have accepted to star in The Fate of the Furious (2017) if Diesel was not required to share any sequences with him.