How Dwayne Johnson Really Feels About Vin Diesel Now—After the Long Feud and Recent Reconciliation

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Vin Diesel have shared a complicated history that has evolved from professional rivalry to reconciliation. Once embroiled in one of Hollywood’s most publicized feuds, the two action stars now appear to have left their differences behind and are forging a path of mutual respect—much to the delight of Fast & Furious fans around the world.

A Feud Rooted in Differences

The tension between Johnson and Diesel first came to light in 2016, when Johnson’s now-infamous Instagram post called out unnamed male co-stars as “candy asses.” While Johnson never explicitly named Diesel, the subtext was clear to fans and industry insiders. This conflict reportedly stemmed from differing approaches to work: Johnson, known for his disciplined and structured mindset, often clashed with Diesel’s more relaxed style on set. By 2018, Johnson admitted in Rolling Stone that they had a “fundamental difference in philosophies on how we approach moviemaking and collaborating.”

Diesel, meanwhile, later explained that his so-called “tough love” was intended to draw the best performance from Johnson. Johnson didn’t buy that reasoning, famously laughing it off in a Vanity Fair interview in 2021. And when Diesel made a public plea that same year for Johnson to return to the Fast & Furious series, Johnson called it “manipulative” and reiterated his stance that he would not be coming back.

The Turning Point

All that changed in 2023, when Johnson announced the feud was officially over. In a heartfelt video shared on social media, he said, “Vin and I put all the past behind us. We’ll lead with brotherhood and resolve—and always take care of the franchise, characters, and fans that we love.” This marked a significant shift, signaling that Johnson no longer harbored resentment toward Diesel. Johnson even made a surprise mid-credits appearance in Fast X, confirming his willingness to rejoin the franchise.

A Growing Sense of Mutual Respect

Recent interactions between Johnson and Diesel have further reinforced their newfound camaraderie. At the 2025 Golden Globes, Diesel called out Johnson with a friendly “Hi Dwayne” while presenting an award. Johnson responded with a smile, a moment that sparked conversations online about how far their relationship had come. Days later, Diesel shared a throwback photo of the two on Instagram, captioned “All love… Always…”—a public nod to their improved rapport.

Looking Ahead

Although Johnson has not explicitly addressed Diesel in recent interviews, his actions suggest that the animosity is firmly in the past. His participation in future Fast & Furious projects, including a standalone Hobbs film that will bridge Fast X and its sequel, indicates a professional collaboration built on respect and shared goals.

Cultural Impact

The reconciliation of Johnson and Diesel carries symbolic weight for the Fast & Furious franchise, which has long celebrated themes of family and unity. Their public feud—and its resolution—adds an intriguing layer to the franchise’s real-life narrative. For fans, their restored relationship bolsters anticipation for the upcoming films, reminding everyone that even the biggest stars can set aside differences and move forward.

As of March 2025, Dwayne Johnson’s true thoughts on Vin Diesel seem to be rooted in understanding, respect, and a shared commitment to the success of the Fast & Furious legacy.