Fast and Furious became a franchise worth billions. However, the process behind the scenes wasn't always the smoothest, with likes of Michelle Rodriguez taking exception to the script from a creative standpoint. She was right to speak out and ended up getting her way. However, things weren't that easy with the others...
In the following, we'll take a brief look at Vin Diesel's feud with Dwayne Johnson, and how the bad blood started between the two.
In addition, we'll reveal contract clauses that were proposed for the film. One of them was a point system, pitched by Vin Diesel himself, so nobody would get more offense that him in the film. That notion was denied by those behind the scenes, but there was another pitch made to ensure egos would not be bruised.
We'll reveal what they came up with, and how Jason Statham felt about his time in the film.
Dwayne Johnson And Vin Diesel Had A Bumpy History Together On Fast & Furious
It was back in 2016 when tension began between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson. It is said that things were heated between the two, and DJ would throw the first jab via social media, writing:
"There's no other franchise that gets my blood boiling more than this one. My female costars are always amazing and I love 'em. My male costars, however, are a different story," he wrote, adding, "Some conduct themselves as stand up men and true professionals, while others don't."
It wouldn't stop there as in 2021, Johnson once again took exception to a post on Instagram released by Vin Diesel, asking The Rock to return to the franchise. Once again, DJ wasn't pleased given that the two had a private conversation about it.
"I was very surprised by Vin's recent post," said Johnson. "This past June, when Vin and I actually connected not over social media, I told him directly — and privately — that I would not be returning to the franchise."
He continued, "I didn't like that he brought up his children in the post, as well as Paul Walker's death. Leave them out of it," Johnson continued. "We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding."
It seems like things were also as complex in their contracts, with certain stipulations we don't see every day.
An 'Equal Pain' And 'Point System' Was Devised In The Contracts Of Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, and Vin Diesel For Fast & Furious
So how did this point system come about? Well, it seems like it was an ego thing between the men in the film... According to Yahoo, it was Vin Diesel that suggested the point system, given that he thought Jason Statham had far too much offense during their fight scenes.
"Diesel became concerned that British action star Jason Statham was landing a few too many punches during one particular fight scene. So he suggested that a numerical system be implemented, so that punches, body slams, roundhouse kicks and head butts all had separate values and could be properly counted up to make sure Diesel always came out on top."
It is said that those behind the scenes were not into the idea, given how complicated it all was.
Then, an 'equal pain' clause was created, ensuring that every received an equal amount of pain, and none of the three men downright lost a fight.
Without a doubt, it seems like everything was overblown. This didn't need to be written in a contract and could have been a verbal agreement. Neither Diesel, Statham nor Johnson would address the matter.
Jason Statham Stayed Away From The Drama Between Vin Diesel And Dwayne Johnson
Jason Statham made the wise decision to avoid any type of drama alongside his co-stars. Statham kept a neutral stance, stating that he stayed away from the controversy.
“I stay out of any bickering or any troubles that people have. I have nothing to do with it and I don’t want any part of it.”
He continued, “Look, Dwayne’s hit own man and what he says he’s entitled to say in his own way,” Statham continued. “And what he wants to say — you’ve got to ask him.”
Ultimately, Jason had a positive experience on-set with everyone behind the scenes.
“I loved the whole experience of working with that whole crew and the team – and the cast has just been phenomenal.”
Dwayne and Jason would go on to enjoy more success together, appearing in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. The film was a major hit at the box office, bringing in $760 million.