Vin Diesel became emotional as he paid tribute to Paul Walker during a special midnight screening of The Fast and the Furious at the Cannes Film Festival, where the 2001 hit was honored as a modern classic 25 years after its release.
Speaking to a packed audience at the Grand Lumière Theatre, Diesel paused to collect himself before sharing a deeply personal reflection on his late co-star and close friend. “I pray that in your life, you can have a brother like Paul,” he said, visibly moved as the crowd listened in silence.
The screening was attended by fellow franchise stars Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez, along with Walker’s daughter Meadow Walker, all of whom were seen wiping away tears as the audience responded with a prolonged standing ovation.
Diesel said watching the film reopened many memories he experiences differently now, especially moments shared with Walker. He recalled learning personal details about his co-star during filming, adding that their bond went far beyond the screen.
During the emotional evening, Diesel also embraced Meadow Walker on stage after sharing a conversation they had earlier in the day, noting how powerful it was for her to watch her father’s work at the same age he made it.
Earlier on the red carpet, Diesel arrived in a diamond-studded blazer marked with a “Fast Forever” emblem, signaling the franchise’s upcoming conclusion. He joked with Cannes director Thierry Frémaux about the unusually large turnout for a midnight screening of a film that has long been widely released.
He also reflected on his early days in Cannes, recalling how he once arrived as an unknown filmmaker and how meaningful it felt to return decades later as part of a global franchise.
Addressing fans directly, Diesel credited the audience’s loyalty for keeping the saga alive for more than two decades. He confirmed that the final installment, Fast Forever, currently scheduled for 2028, will mark the end of the series.
He concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the heart of the franchise has always been about family, gratitude, and love — a message that resonated strongly throughout the emotional night.
