Reports: Vin Diesel Is Upset at Jason Momoa’s Scene-Stealing Performance
Despite his lauded performance in Fast X, Jason Momoa is reportedly facing criticism from star Vin Diesel amid the film's mixed critical reviews.
Recent reports have brought attention to a potential conflict between Vin Diesel and his Fast & Furious franchise co-star, Jason Momoa.
According to RadarOnline, Diesel is allegedly dissatisfied with Momoa’s portrayal of the villainous character, Dante Reyes, which has garnered widespread praise from critics and audiences. Despite the film’s successful box office performance, Diesel is said to be attributing negative reviews to Momoa’s scene-stealing performance, rather than taking personal responsibility.
An insider familiar with the situation revealed that Diesel feels both annoyed and embarrassed by Momoa’s recognition as the film’s standout, believing it undermines his own contributions to the franchise that he built.
Tension reportedly arises between Vin Diesel and Jason Momoa as Diesel expresses dissatisfaction with Momoa’s portrayal of the androgynous and menacing villain, Dante, in Fast X. Sources claim that Diesel is perturbed by Momoa’s tendency to “overact” and steal the spotlight in their shared scenes, fueling a sense of jealousy. Insiders suggest that Momoa is well aware of Diesel’s grievances, with Diesel allegedly sharing his discontent with others. This brewing conflict has the potential to evolve into a major feud in Hollywood. Fast X currently holds a lukewarm 54% average critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers describing it as “irredeemably silly” and criticizing its congested and self-centered nature.
More Tensions With Vin Diesel
If the rumors hold true, Vin Diesel’s alleged dissatisfaction with Jason Momoa’s performance in Fast X marks yet another instance of Diesel clashing with a fellow Fast & Furious co-star, despite the franchise’s overarching theme of “family.” Notably, Diesel’s public spat with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who portrayed former DSS agent Luke Hobbs, has been widely discussed. Johnson announced his departure from the franchise in 2021, citing years of reported tension between himself and Diesel, particularly during the filming of The Fate of the Furious in 2017. However, in a surprising turn of events, Johnson made a cameo appearance in Fast X and is reportedly working on another Fast & Furious spinoff after resolving his feud with Diesel.
In Fast X, Momoa portrays Dante, the vengeful son of the late Brazilian drug kingpin Hernan Reyes, who was killed by Dom and Brian O’Conner (played by the late Paul Walker) in Fast Five. Dante’s quest for retribution leads him to terrorize Dom and his family at every opportunity. Momoa’s performance has garnered praise from co-star Michelle Rodriguez, who dubbed him the franchise’s best-ever antagonist, and director Louis Leterrier. Nevertheless, Diesel’s reported discontent with Momoa’s portrayal and the film’s critical reception contrasts with its financial success. Fast X has already earned a respectable $544 million worldwide, surpassing its substantial $340 million budget.
Diesel recently revealed that Fast X is the first film in a concluding trilogy for the Fast & Furious franchise, with Leterrier confirmed as the director for the next installment. Leterrier stepped in after long-time franchise helmer Justin Lin departed the project in April of the previous year due to reported disagreements with Diesel that reportedly impacted his mental well-being.
