Vin Diesel honors Paul Walker in emotional video at Cannes screening: ‘It’s so hard for me’

CANNES, FRANCE: Actor Vin Diesel honored his late ‘Fast & Furious’ co-star Paul Walker during a special Cannes Film Festival screening on Wednesday, May 13, marking the 25th anniversary of the franchise. The event brought together cast members, fans and filmmakers for a celebration that quickly turned emotional as the actor reflected on their long-standing bond.

The screening also saw the presence of Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez and Meadow Walker, Paul Walker’s daughter, who continues to be associated with the franchise through the Paul Walker Foundation. Her appearance alongside Diesel added a deeply personal layer to the evening, highlighting how the legacy of Walker remains central to the ‘Fast & Furious’ family.

Vin Diesel reflects on Paul Walker’s legacy at Cannes anniversary screening

At the Grand Lumiere Theatre, Vin Diesel became visibly emotional while addressing the audience and reflecting on his connection with Paul Walker. Speaking about their bond, he said, “I pray that in your life, you can have a brother like Paul,” pausing as he struggled to continue.

He described how their relationship shaped the franchise, adding, “It was almost scripted first, that this blonde-haired blue-eyed could be a brother to me. As the years went by, I just wanted us to continue the story.” He also admitted how difficult it is to revisit the early films, saying, “It’s so hard for me to watch it because there’s so many moments in this movie that you see, that I see differently, The scene that you see, I see the moment Pablo told me he had a one-year-old daughter.”

The emotional tribute led to a standing ovation from the audience, with several cast members visibly moved during the moment.

Meadow Walker joins Vin Diesel as ‘Fast & Furious’ cast honors franchise legacy at Cannes

Before the screening, Vin Diesel introduced Meadow Walker and other cast members, emphasizing the importance of family within the franchise. He also acknowledged Meadow’s role in carrying forward her father’s legacy and her continued presence within the ‘Fast & Furious’ world. 

After the screening, Meadow addressed the audience alongside Diesel, describing the cast as a “source of strength” and saying her father would be “so proud” of what the franchise has become.

Diesel also reflected on returning to Cannes and recalled his early days at the festival with his short film ‘Multi-Facial’, describing it as a full-circle moment in his career.

The event closed on a celebratory note, with Diesel thanking fans for their loyalty and confirming that the final installment, ‘Fast Forever,’ is scheduled for release in 2028, marking the conclusion of a decades-long franchise journey.