The Fast and the Furious star Vin Diesel became emotional as he honoured his late friend and co-star Paul Walker during a midnight anniversary screening at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
Speaking to fans after the screening, Diesel reflected on the bond the two actors built while filming the movie that launched the blockbuster franchise.
“I pray that in your life you have a brother like Paul,” Diesel said, his voice cracking with emotion.
The actor recalled how their close friendship developed unexpectedly, saying it was never originally planned for Walker’s character to become like a brother to Dominic Toretto. Diesel shared that after premieres, Walker would often pull him aside privately and reassure him about the franchise’s future.
“The best ones are still in the can,” Walker would whisper to him, according to Diesel.
The tribute became even more emotional as Diesel spoke about Walker’s daughter, Meadow Walker, who continues to honour her father’s memory through the Paul Walker Foundation.
Diesel admitted that rewatching the original film is now difficult because many scenes carry deeper meaning after Walker’s death in a 2013 car accident.
