The 'Cyborg' actor claims that the Dominic Toretto depicter shut down his chance to star in a 'Fast and Furious' movie despite him receiving an offer from others involved in the franchise.
- Oct 25, 2023
AceShowbiz - The "Fast and Furious" franchise could have been merrier with an action movie vet joining its roster of A-list stars. Jean-Claude Van Damme has revealed that he had been asked to be a part of the action movie series, but Vin Diesel nixed the idea.
In a wide-ranging interview with The Telegraph, the Belgian martial artist/actor claimed that someone or some people involved in the franchise had invited him to star in one of the "Fast and Furious" movies. However, for an undisclosed reason, Diesel reportedly wasn't interested in sharing the spotlight with the 63-year-old actor.
"Van Damme has also missed out on a role in another mega-franchises," the publication wrote. " 'They want me in 'Fast and Furious',' he says. And what a bit of casting that would be. But Vin Diesel said, 'No, I don't want him.' "
Diesel has not responded to Van Damme's claim while his representatives have not responded to a request for comment. The "Universal Soldier" star, who had a role as a villain in "The Expendables 2" (2012), did not disclose which "Fast and Furious" project he was potentially being courted for.
Diesel famously had a fallout with his "Fast and Furious" co-star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson during the filming of "The Fate of the Furious" in 2016. Johnson was not involved in the next installment of the movie series, but went on to star in the spin-off "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" (2019) centering on his character Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham's Deckard Shaw.
In November 2021, Diesel extended an olive branch to the former professional wrestler, expressing his desire to have Johnson reprising his role for the franchise's swan song. After initially turning down the Dominic Toretto depicter's plea, Johnson made a shocking return in the mid-credits scene of "Fast X", which was released in May this year.
In June, the "Moana" star confirmed his return to the franchise. "So I am 100 percent confirming to you guys around the world that yes, it is true. Hobbs is back. Hobbs is back in the 'Fast and Furious' franchise," he said on Instagram, adding that despite their "differences," he and Diesel been "like brothers for years."
The next installment of the "Fast and Furious" movie series is scheduled for an April 4, 2025 release.
