Vin Diesel cried remembering his late “Fast and Furious” co-star Paul Walker at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
Before a special screening of the first “Fast” movie in honor of the franchise’s 25th anniversary on Wednesday, Diesel gave an emotional speech about Paul, who died in a car accident in November 2013 at age 40.
“I pray that in your life you have a brother like Paul,” Diesel, 58, said through tears inside the Grand Lumiere Theatre.
Diesel, who gave his speech in front of co-stars Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez and Paul’s daughter, Meadow Walker, admitted it’s “hard” to watch the 2001 film because of the memories he has of Paul, whom he still calls Pablo.
“There’s so many moments in this movie that you see, that I see differently,” he explained. “The scene that you see, I see the moment Pablo told me he had a 1-year-old daughter.”
Diesel then pulled in Meadow, his goddaughter, for a hug and introduced the 27-year-old, who was 15 when her dad died.
“This is a film where brotherhood was introduced to our millennium, by myself and my brother Pablo. The person that was not going to let me come alone here to represent that brotherhood was Meadow Walker,” he shared.
Diesel added, “I’m gonna go and shed a tear real quick.”
The “Guardians of the Galaxy” actor ended his remarks by sharing what Meadow told him earlier in the day.
“She said, ‘I’m 27, and I’m watching this film that my father made at 27,’ and I thought, ‘How profound,’” Diesel said.
“Meadow has been such a source of strength, and I know he’d be so proud of you,” he concluded.
Paul played Brian O’Conner in six “Fast & Furious” movies before his tragic death.
In 2015’s “Fast & Furious 7,” producers used CGI, doubles and Paul’s brothers, Caleb and Cody, as stand-ins to give the late actor’s character a proper sendoff.
Years after her dad’s death, Meadow, whom Paul welcomed with ex Rebecca Soteros, made a cameo in 2023’s “Fast X” as a flight attendant.
At Cannes, Diesel spoke about his excitement for the 11th and final film in the franchise, “Fast Forever,” set for release in 2028.
“The only reason why we’re making the finale for ‘Fast’ for 2028… It’s because of each and every one of you that has given us your hearts and your loyalty,” Diesel told the crowd at the screening.
“Each and every one of you that has felt like you are a part of our family,” he went on. “You make us have to continue. You make us want to make you all proud.”
