'Let Sleeping Pauls Lie': Diesel’s Plan to Revive Brian in Fast Saga Finale Sparks Fan Backlash

Vin Diesel has confirmed what many suspected — and some hoped would never happen. At a recent appearance at Cody Walker’s Fuel Fest, Diesel told fans that the Fast & Furious franchise may reunite Dom Toretto with Brian O’Conner, the character made iconic by the late Paul Walker. The eleventh and final film is now aiming for an April 2027 release, and Diesel claims he laid out three conditions for returning: bringing the story back to L.A., returning to car culture and street racing — and finally, reuniting Dom and Brian.

But not everyone is ready to buckle up. Fans took to Reddit to express unease, with one post bluntly reading, "Let sleeping Pauls lie." Others were even less forgiving.

"Don’t. It’s gonna look bad and come off as a gimmick. Also it’s pretty disgraceful to his career, his legacy, and his estate," wrote alfredandthebirds.

"This franchise has never turned down an opportunity to be gimmicky, tasteless and absurd (and not in a cool way)," wrote weristjonsnow, without mincing words.

Some did try to find the nuance. As LossyP pointed out, "Walker’s brother was next to him on stage when he said this, so I think the family gave them the OK." Still, for many, the decision feels less like closure and more like brand management. "Anything for a few bucks," quipped Stovetop99, while Viperburn1 offered a bleak final act: "Please tell me Dom is joining Brian in the afterlife so we can finally be done with this series. My god."

So is this a heartfelt tribute — or a hollow digital resurrection? The line between nostalgia and exploitation has never felt thinner. Some will call it closure. Others will call it crossing a line.

What’s your reaction? Tap the emoji that fits your take.