Diesel vs. Momoa: Tensions High Following Fast & Furious Flop
Vin Diesel, already battered by the chilly reception of the latest Fast & Furious installment, Fast X, has reportedly found a new scapegoat for the film's shortcomings - co-star and Hollywood heartthrob, Jason Momoa. The high-octane action movie, backed by a staggering $340 million budget and released by Universal on May 19, was met with tepid reviews. Critics lambasted the film as "convoluted," "overcrowded," and "predictably preposterous."
Diesel, having not only starred but also produced the film, is reportedly reluctant to shoulder any responsibility for the critical failure. Instead, sources claim he has directed his frustration towards Momoa, whose performance was one of the few aspects critics commended. "Vin feels slighted that Jason is hailed as the film's lone redeeming feature, overshadowing the franchise Diesel painstakingly built himself!" insiders shared.
According to those in the know, Diesel has accused Momoa of "overacting" and "scene-hogging", and believes this sabotaged his film, which garnered a modest 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, despite a solid box office opening.
Allegedly, Diesel has already cast a wary eye on Momoa, who was brought onto the Fast & Furious franchise with a hefty $5 million paycheck, portraying the flamboyant antagonist, Dante.
Informed of Diesel's accusations, Momoa responded with a warning. Sources suggest that if Diesel persists in belittling his performance, Momoa is prepared to confront his detractor. "Jason is aware that he's currently in the spotlight and that Vin might be envious," an insider revealed, "But he won't stand for Diesel turning the public sentiment against him. This could be the beginning of the next big Hollywood feud!"
This isn't Diesel's first clash with a co-star. The 55-year-old actor previously locked horns with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, claiming that "tough love" was required to extract an adequate performance from Johnson. However, Johnson refused to engage with Diesel's comments and subsequently declined to feature in the next four Fast & Furious films. Despite a few personal setbacks, Johnson made a cameo return to the franchise.
Sources suggest that Diesel's target is now Momoa, given the substantial paycheck the 43-year-old Game of Thrones star commands.
However, an insider cautioned against being misled. "Fast X was Vin's brainchild, and he should bear the brunt of its fall!"