Vin Diesel Honors Late Co-Star Paul Walker as 'Fast and Furious' Turns 25
The "Fast and the Furious" film franchise has spanned the globe, showing some of the world's fastest cars and most beautiful locales in its quarter-century history. The films have focused on a central cast of characters, with Vin Diesel's Dominic Toretto and Paul Walker's Brian O'Conner serving as central pillars.
Diesel and Walker would share the screen together for the first time in 2001's "The Fast and the Furious," roles they would reprise in future entries.
Walker died in a car accident in November of 2013, shaking the film world and the cast to its core.
The next film in the series, "Furious 7," featured a moving tribute to Walker and the cast has kept his legacy alive in the more recent films.
During an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the first film in the franchise, Diesel took a moment to speak on his late friend and former co-star.
Vin Diesel's Emotional Tribute to Paul Walker
"I pray that in your life you have a brother like Paul," the actor said at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, fighting through tears.
Vin Diesel cries as he remembers Paul Walker at "The Fast and the Furious" #Cannes screening:
— Variety (@Variety) May 14, 2026
"I pray that in your life you have a brother like Paul... It wasn't on the script at first that this blond-haired, blue-eyed guy would be a brother to me."https://t.co/1hm9JvyKKPpic.twitter.com/qrntnIjl12
He explained that it's "hard" for him to watch the first film, knowing that his friend's memory comes to mind when he appears on screen.
Diesel introduced Walker's daughter Meadow, saying that she represented the "brotherhood" he and Walker shared over the course of their friendship.
"This is a film where brotherhood was introduced to our millennium, by myself and my brother Pablo. The person that was not going to let me come alone here to represent that brotherhood was Meadow Walker," Diesel said.
"Meadow has been such a source of strength, and I know he'd be so proud of you."
Meadow Walker appeared in 2023's "Fast X" as a flight attendant, furthering her father's legacy after he starred in six of the franchise's films.
Diesel's Comments on "Fast Forever"
Diesel also acknowledged that the next film in the series - "Fast Forever," scheduled to release in 2028 - will be the last.
Vin Diesel gives Paul Walker's daughter, Meadow Walker, an emotional hug as "The Fast and the Furious" celebrates its 25th anniversary with a screening at #Cannes.https://t.co/1hm9JvyKKPpic.twitter.com/wRZXs2K5Mr
— Variety (@Variety) May 14, 2026
"The only reason why we're making the finale for ‘Fast' for 2028… It's because of each and every one of you that has given us your hearts and your loyalty," Diesel said in Cannes before the debut film was screened.
"Each and every one of you that has felt like you are a part of our family. You make us have to continue. You make us want to make you all proud."
"Fast X" is the most recent main entry in the series, and a "Hobbs & Shaw" spin-off series has been established with fan-favorite former villains to appear in other movies.
In recent entries, major stars like John Cena and Alan Ritchson have joined the "Fast" family, adding to marquee names like Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Idris Elba and Jason Statham.
In total, the "Fast & Furious" films have grossed over $7 billion dollars. The movies have inspired theme park attractions, toys, video games and more, making it one of the most popular, ubiquitous and influential media franchises of its era.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 1:29 PM.