At the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, Vin Diesel and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared a brief but tense moment that reignited discussions about their past feud. While presenting an award, Diesel greeted Johnson, leading to an awkward exchange. Their strained history dates back to disagreements during the Fast & Furious franchise, where both actors were key stars. Despite publicly resolving their issues in recent years, their interaction at the event has sparked fresh speculation about whether tensions between the two have truly eased.
An Unexpected Exchange at the Golden Globes
Vin Diesel and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, two of Hollywood’s most well-known action stars, found themselves at the center of attention during the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. Diesel was on stage presenting an award when he briefly locked eyes with Johnson, who was seated near the front. With a smile and wave, Diesel greeted Johnson, saying, “Hey, Dwayne.”
The cameras immediately turned to Johnson, who responded with a nervous grin. The moment quickly gained attention, especially among fans familiar with their history. Though brief, the exchange was enough to bring back memories of their long-standing feud, which had played out publicly over the years.
The Origins of the Feud
The tension between Diesel and Johnson dates back to their work on the Fast & Furious movies. Johnson joined the franchise in 2011, playing the role of Luke Hobbs in Fast Five. His character became popular, and he continued to appear in later installments. However, by 2016, reports of disagreements between him and Diesel began to surface.
It all started with a social media post by Johnson. In a now-deleted Instagram message, Johnson praised his female co-stars but criticized some of his male colleagues, calling them “candy asses.” He hinted at unprofessional behavior without directly naming Diesel, but fans quickly made the connection.
In the post, Johnson expressed frustration about the working environment. He claimed some of his co-stars lacked professionalism and were unwilling to confront problems directly. He even mentioned that his anger in certain scenes of the movie was not acting but real emotion.
Different Approaches to Filmmaking
Later, Johnson confirmed that the post was about Diesel. He explained in an interview that their differences stemmed from opposing views on filmmaking and collaboration.
Diesel, who has played a central role in the Fast & Furious series for over two decades, admitted to being tough on set. He defended his behavior by saying it was meant to push Johnson to deliver a strong performance. Diesel described his approach as “tough love” and believed it was necessary to bring out the best in his co-stars.
However, Johnson did not see it that way. In 2021, he publicly laughed off Diesel’s explanation and made it clear that he had no intention of returning to the franchise. Johnson even wished Diesel and the rest of the cast good luck with future movies, indicating he had moved on.
Attempts to Make Amends
Despite the public tension, there were efforts to mend their relationship. Johnson later clarified that he and Diesel had resolved their differences, referring to them as “like brothers” who occasionally disagreed. He emphasized the importance of focusing on future plans that were bigger than their personal issues.
By 2023, Johnson announced his return to the Fast & Furious universe through a spin-off centered around his character, Hobbs. Fans saw this as a sign that the feud was truly over.
The Golden Globes Moment
Given their history, the brief interaction at the Golden Globes raised eyebrows. While it might have seemed casual, some viewers felt it carried hidden tension. Social media platforms were flooded with comments, with users speculating whether the feud was reigniting.
One user described the exchange as “loaded,” while another said it was the kind of drama the awards show needed. The incident reminded fans of the years of public disagreements and interviews that followed their time working together.
A Look Back at Their Careers
Both Diesel and Johnson have achieved tremendous success in their careers. Diesel has led the Fast & Furious franchise since its debut in 2001, turning it into one of the highest-grossing film series of all time. Johnson, on the other hand, used his role as Hobbs to further establish himself as a Hollywood superstar, eventually starring in his own spin-off movie, Hobbs & Shaw.
While their professional paths initially crossed in the Fast & Furious films, their differences in work styles and personalities became apparent. Diesel’s focus on maintaining control over the franchise clashed with Johnson’s approach, leading to their highly publicized fallout.
What Lies Ahead?
Despite their past disputes, both actors have continued to grow their careers. Diesel remains dedicated to the Fast & Furious saga, while Johnson has expanded his portfolio with several blockbuster hits and entrepreneurial ventures.
Johnson’s return to the franchise through his spin-off film suggests that their differences may have been set aside for the sake of storytelling and business. However, their Golden Globes exchange has left fans wondering if old tensions could resurface.