Since its inception with The Fast and the Furious back in 2001, the Fast and Furious franchise has undergone substantial transformation. One of the most prominent shifts lies in the expansive roster of characters that have become part of its fabric. The cast is led by Vin Diesel, who plays Dominic Toretto in the series.
One of the freshest inclusions, introduced in F9: The Fast Saga, is the character Jakob Toretto. Brought to life by John Cena, Jakob not only assumes the role of an antagonist within the film but also happens to be Dom’s (Vin Diesel) estranged younger sibling.
Vin Diesel Believes Paul Walker Sent Him A Message
While the prospect of Jakob’s return in Fast and Furious 10 appears likely, especially considering the wide-open path left by the conclusion of F9, securing Cena for the role was a significant achievement for the franchise. Notably, he isn’t the initial wrestler-turned-actor to grace the series, as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has previously held a substantial role and even led his own standalone film within the franchise. However, Cena’s involvement held considerable weight, and it appears that there was a particular moment when Diesel realized that Cena was the ideal choice to embody Jakob.
In a 2021 interview with FredCarpet, Vin Diesel shared his journey of searching for the ideal candidate to portray Jakob in F9. He recounted considering numerous potential actors for the role, but the decision ultimately crystallized when John Cena paid him a visit at his personal gym. Following Cena’s appearance at what he affectionately dubs his Dom Shrine, Diesel disclosed a belief that the late Paul Walker had played a hand in directing Cena his way.
“That day I posted on Instagram, without talking to anyone, a picture of him and me, or a video of him and me,” Diesel said. “And I said, ‘Thank you, Pablo.’ Because at that moment, I thought that my brother Pablo had sent him to play Jakob.”
For those seeking clarification, Pablo serves as a tender moniker Diesel used for the dearly departed Paul Walker. Although numerous proficient actors could have potentially assumed the role, it appears that the decision to bring Cena on board was as much a decision driven by a spiritual connection as it was a matter of skill and aptitude.
Vin Diesel Wanted To Fulfill Paul Walker’s Dream
At the heart of the Fast & Furious universe stands the charismatic actor Vin Diesel, who fervently contends that the latest chapter, Fast X, stands as a poignant realization of the cherished aspirations of his departed co-star, Paul Walker.
The realm of Fast and Furious remains unfinished without evoking the presence of Paul Walker. The actor, who etched an enduring legacy within the series, left hearts in pieces upon his unforeseen departure.
The actor gracefully led us into a wave of nostalgia as we approached the tenth chapter of the series, intensifying our longing for the departed luminary. In a prior appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Diesel revealed how Walker had shared a vision, aspiring to bring the Fast and Furious saga to a seamless conclusion at the pinnacle of ten installments.
Source: Looper
