Vin Diesel took the high road to respond to the news that “Fast & Furious 9” would be delayed to 2020, saying that it was “unfair to say it is anyone’s fault” that fans will have to wait three years to see Dominic Toretto and the Family back on the road again.
“As we plot the course to expand the Fast & Furious universe, one must be mindful to take stock of the roads we took to get here,” Diesel said in an Instagram post on Saturday. “The pillars of authenticity, family and most importantly, our loyal fan’s perspective has been instrumental in procuring success.”
Diesel’s diplomatic statement comes as one of his castmates, Tyrese Gibson, has attacked Dwayne Johnson for making the globetrotting car franchise “all about YOU.”
When Universal announced the delay of “F&F 9,” Gibson responded with an irate Instagram post, calling Johnson a “clown.” A day later, Universal announced a 2019 release date for a new spinoff film starring Johnson and Jason Statham as their “Fast & Furious” characters.
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But Diesel says that the “F&F” team just needs more time to make the next installment in the series.
“Like any vehicle that has run around the globe 8 times, the franchise is in need of maintenance,” he wrote. “My good friend and the godfather of Universal, Ron Meyer has granted me the time to do just that. We have some very exciting news to share soon… stay tuned. Yours truly, Dom #FamilyAlways.”
Read Diesel’s full response below: