Dwayne Johnson Shocks Fans with Surprise Return in Latest Fast and Furious Sequel

After previously vowing to never return to the Fast and Furious franchise, Dwayne Johnson will be reprising his role as Luke Hobbs. While many fans assumed that Hobbs would make an appearance in the upcoming Fast X sequel or another Hobbs and Shaw film, Universal has different plans in store. Hobbs was first introduced as a Diplomatic Security Service agent tasked with capturing fugitives Dominic Toretto and Brian O'Connor in the fifth installment of the franchise. Despite their initial conflict, Hobbs eventually joins forces with Toretto and his Fast Family in the subsequent movies. Johnson also played a vital role in the spinoff film Hobbs and Shaw, co-starring with Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw. However, his on-screen and behind-the-scenes disagreements with Vin Diesel resulted in Johnson's decision to not return for any future Fast and Furious sequels in the primary franchise.

Johnson's perspective shifted after his appearance as Hobbs in a post-credits scene for Fast X. While one might assume this scene was setting up his return in Fast X: Part 2 or a Hobbs and Shaw follow-up, it seems that Johnson's involvement will be for a different project altogether. According to The Wrap, Universal is actively developing a Fast and Furious sequel that will bridge the gap between Fast X and Fast X: Part 2, continuing the franchise's primary storyline. Chris Morgan, who has written six films within the franchise as well as the Hobbs and Shaw spinoff, is responsible for the script of Johnson's new Fast and Furious sequel.

Johnson and Diesel have ended their feud and will both serve as producers for the upcoming Fast and Furious sequel. Johnson's Seven Buck Productions will produce alongside co-founder Dany Garcia and President of Production Hiram Garcia, while Diesel and Samantha Vincent will produce for their One Race Films production company. Other producers include Chris Morgan for Chris Morgan Productions, Jeff Kirschenbaum for Roth/Kirschenbaum Films, and Neal Moritz for Original Film. While plot details have not been revealed, fans can expect the film to follow up on Dante's threat to target Hobbs for his father's death. It's unknown which members of Toretto's Fast Family will return, but it's possible they may make cameo appearances.

It's worth noting that despite being a box office success, Fast X has not performed as well as some of its predecessors. Nonetheless, Universal remains committed to expanding the Fast and Furious franchise and has even brought back Johnson, possibly in an effort to reinvigorate interest in the series. Fans can currently catch Fast X in theaters.

Source: The Wrap