Vin Diesel Announces Fast X: Part 2 Release and Brian O'Conner’s Return

Vin Diesel has revealed the release timeline for Fast X: Part 2, confirming the return of Paul Walker's iconic character, Brian O'Conner.

At FuelFest in Los Angeles, the action star announced an April 2027 premiere for Fast X: Part 2. Diesel shared that the film will bring the franchise back to its Los Angeles roots, emphasizing street racing culture, and will feature a reunion between his character, Dom Toretto, and Brian O'Conner, played by Paul Walker.

Diesel’s remarks echo his 2023 statements, where he hinted at a farewell for Paul Walker’s Brian O'Conner. Walker, who passed away in 2013 at age 40, was renowned for his role as Brian O'Conner in the Fast & Furious series, appearing in the original 2001 film and, most recently, in 2023’s Fast X through archival footage.

The key question is how Dom and Brian will reunite in Fast X: Part 2. Walker had filmed scenes for Furious 7 before his tragic car accident, and many fans feel the franchise already honored the late actor with a fitting conclusion.

Diesel’s focus on returning to street racing and car culture for the franchise’s finale addresses the series’ shift toward extravagant action. Early films centered on underground racing, while recent installments have leaned into blockbuster spectacle, resembling G.I. Joe more than car racing.

Another point of intrigue is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson’s possible role in the film. In January, Diesel softened a jab he made at Johnson during a 2025 Golden Globes award presentation. Posting an old photo of them together on Instagram, Diesel captioned it, "All love... Always," after playfully referencing their well-known feud by saying, "Hey, Dwayne," to the audience’s amusement.

Despite co-starring in Fast 5, Furious 6, and Fast and Furious 7, with Diesel as Dominic Toretto and Johnson as Luke Hobbs, tensions flared when Johnson publicly called Diesel a "chicken s**t" and "candy-ass" co-star.

Diesel explained to Men's Health that his "tough love" approach was meant to elevate Johnson’s performance to the needed level.

In 2023, Johnson shared on X/Twitter that he and Diesel had moved past their differences, pledging to "lead with brotherhood and resolve" and prioritize "the franchise, characters, and fans we love."