Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson, who have been embroiled in a highly publicized feud for nearly a decade, shared what can be interpreted as a moment of reconciliation at the 2025 Golden Globes. Diesel, who presented the award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement during the ceremony, acknowledged his former Fast & Furious co-star with a simple "Hey, Dwayne" as he took the stage, prompting smiles from both the audience and the actors.
Their complex relationship dates back to Johnson's introduction to the Fast & Furious franchise in 2011 when he joined as Luke Hobbs, a federal agent initially pitted against Diesel's character, Dominic Toretto. Although their on-screen chemistry evolved to show them teaming up, off-screen tensions began to brew during the filming of The Fate of the Furious (2017). It was then, in August 2016, when Johnson vented frustration on social media about unprofessional behavior from male co-stars, presumably hinting at Diesel's conduct, calling some "candy asses" and alleging they were "chicken s--t."
The public fallout from Johnson's posts ignited rumors about the extent of their feud, leading fans to speculate on the strained atmosphere during subsequent filming sessions and promotional events for the franchise. Diesel later described the situation saying he employed what he termed "tough love" to help Johnson develop his character's complexity, claiming it was pivotal for Hobbs to resonate with the audience outside of his wrestling background.
For years, tensions appeared to wax and wane with various media reports attributing blame on either side for not reconciling. Diesel openly expressed admiration for Johnson's performance and urged him to return for future installments of the series, even invoking the late Paul Walker's memory to highlight their shared legacy.
Despite earlier dismissals, by 2023, very public steps toward reconciliation began to transform the narrative around their relationship. Johnson made headlines when he agreed to return to the franchise, appearing as Hobbs in the mid-credits scene of Fast X. The resurgence of mutual respect culminated when Johnson tweeted, "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 we love." This marked the official signaling of their relationship's turning point.
During the Golden Globes, audiences witnessed the culmination of their thawed relationship. Johnson, clad in his signature confidence and sporting a lilac suit, returned Diesel’s greeting with a approving nod. Their playful acknowledgment sparked conversation and amusement among attendees, many of whom remembered the tumultuous history between these two titans of action cinema. Clearly, this gesture, albeit brief, symbolized more than just casual pleasantries, hinting at the possibility of genuine camaraderie.
Interestingly, the moment at the Globes seems to reflect broader themes of reconciliation and growth, perhaps even emphasizing the importance of adversities faced within their industry. Johnson later told Vanity Fair about his experience, stating, "Sometimes I think the workplace can be tough as two dominant personalities clash, but there's learning on both sides.” This perspective resonates with the idea of mutual respect developed over the years of working together.
An observer at the Globes noted, "It’s amazing to see how far both of them have come. From calls of ‘candy asses’ to smiles and nods, it’s as if we witnessed the closing of one chapter and the hopeful opening of another last night at the Golden Globes." Further reinforcing this point, Diesel has repeatedly characterized Johnson as a brother, emphasizing the familial nature of their connection both on and off-screen.
Despite the contentious history, the actors find themselves embarking on another chapter together, particularly with the upcoming Fast X sequel set to release next summer. Johnson's character is anticipated to take on more central roles which could serve to balance both their narratives creatively.
Meanwhile, fans are abuzz with speculation on how this renewed rapport could influence the Fast & Furious storyline, which has always centered around themes of loyalty and family. The excitement surrounding their potential character dynamics continues to grow as audiences eagerly await the premiere of Fast X: Part 2.
While some might see their interaction as simply another Hollywood moment, for many fans, it symbolizes the power of forgiveness and the ways individuals can move past their differences. The Golden Globes moment was reminiscent of another important mantra from the franchise: family is more than just blood; it’s about the bonds formed through shared experiences.
All eyes now remain on both actors as they navigate future engagements. Once again, this dual presence within the franchise creates not only entertainment value but also sentimentality rooted within shared history, with both Diesel and Johnson set to drive forward the Fast family narrative for hopefully many more years to come.