If the cast of the Fast & Furious franchise can be counted on for one thing, it is that they are willing to go to the lengths of the Earth to fight for and protect their family. And Dwayne Johnson knew the drill when he stepped into the franchise 12 years ago for the first time as Luke Hobbs in the 2011 installment, Fast Five. 

As the franchise now inches closer to a showdown and ending and the audience prepares for the final blow, the past comes back to light when a more enthusiastic and adrenaline-pumped Johnson was unafraid to join in on the fun.

Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs in F8

Dwayne Johnson Ignited Onscreen Rivalry Against Vin Diesel

Despite bowing out of the franchise after four mainstream films and one successful spin-off, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has managed to garner immense popularity among the fans of the Fast franchise for his role as the towering Hobbs. His staple presence since Fast Five well up until 2017’s The Fate of the Furious contributed immensely to the overall narrative and progression of the plot and his exit under a mysterious rivalry with the franchise lead was just as much a matter of speculation and concern.

However, a 2011 version of Dwayne Johnson who was still green around the edges when it came to participating in massive ensemble franchises was over the moon regarding his role in Fast Five. During an interview with Universal Pictures UK, when asked about what the audience can expect from the film, the actor claimed:

“I know they want to see Vin vs. The Rock, The Rock vs. Vin, something you never thought you would see before. It’s like Tyson vs. Ali, LeBron against Jordan. What are they gonna get? They’re gonna get me giving Vin an all-day long f–king a**-whopping […] I think they’re gonna get an intense solid epic match-up.”

The actor joined the franchise as a loyal and formidable diplomatic security agent tasked with capturing Dominic Toretto and Brian O’Conner. He later joins the Fast clan after going head to head with the franchise’s patriarch, later managing an epic comedic camaraderie with Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) in the spin-off film, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019). 

Dwayne Johnson Stole the Fast Fandom With His Epic Entry

During his stay over the course of 8 years as a part of the Fast family, Dwayne Johnson has not only elevated the franchise’s overall popularity but also gained immense recognition and fame himself as a worthy opponent to Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto. Johnson managed to also establish the franchise’s motto of putting one’s family above all as Hobbs then goes after those who put his men in harm’s way. The actor stole the collective fandom’s heart ever since he introduced himself as, “I’m what you call ‘an ice-cold can of whoop-a**.’”

Vin Diesel and The Rock’s feud shows no sign of cooling down
 

After his mysterious and scandalous rivalry with Vin Diesel played out on the public front, the duo has managed to remain bull-headed about their stance regarding The Rock’s essential role in the franchise’s future. While one does acknowledge Diesel’s wish to see the entire clan reunited one last time during the film’s epic finale, one also understands Dwayne Johnson’s need to distance himself from the Marvel actor following a passive-aggressive negotiation over social media that The Rock claimed as “manipulative” for mentioning the tragic passing of actor Paul Walker in cajoling him to return. 

Fast X is currently playing in theatres worldwide.