Vin Diesel Gets Emotional Remembering Paul Walker at Cannes

Paul Walker’s Daughter Meadow Joins Emotional Cannes Tribute

Vin Diesel became emotional during a special midnight screening of The Fast and the Furious at the Cannes Film Festival as he remembered his late co-star and close friend Paul Walker.

The screening celebrated the film’s 25th anniversary and received a huge response from fans inside the Grand Lumière Theatre. Diesel struggled to hold back tears while speaking about the deep bond he shared with Walker.

“I pray that in your life, you can have a brother like Paul,” Diesel told the audience after the film ended.

Vin Diesel cries as he remembers Paul Walker at "The Fast and the Furious" #Cannes screening:

“I pray that in your life you have a brother like Paul... It wasn’t on the script at first that this blond-haired, blue-eyed guy would be a brother to me.”https://t.co/1hm9JvyKKP pic.twitter.com/qrntnIjl12

— Variety (@Variety) May 14, 2026

Meadow Walker Joins the Tribute

Paul Walker’s daughter, Meadow Walker, attended the emotional event alongside Diesel and other franchise stars, including Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster.

Vin Diesel gives Paul Walker’s daughter, Meadow Walker, an emotional hug as “The Fast and the Furious” celebrates its 25th anniversary with a screening at #Cannes.https://t.co/1hm9JvyKKP pic.twitter.com/wRZXs2K5Mr

— Variety (@Variety) May 14, 2026

According to Variety, the audience gave the cast a four-minute standing ovation after the screening.

Diesel revealed that Meadow shared an emotional thought with him earlier that day.

He said Meadow told him she was now 27 years old while watching the same movie her father made at age 27. Diesel described the moment as “profound” and praised Meadow for being a source of strength over the years.

Diesel Reflects on Their Friendship

While speaking on stage, Diesel admitted it is difficult for him to watch the original movie today because every scene reminds him of personal memories with Walker.

He shared that, while audiences see the film itself, he remembers moments behind the scenes, including conversations Paul had with him about becoming a father.

Diesel also called Walker “Pablo,” the nickname he often used for his close friend.

Cannes Screening Becomes a Major Celebration

Family forever! ❤️ The ‘Fast and Furious’ cast reunites with the late Paul Walker’s daughter, Meadow, to celebrate the film's 25th anniversary at the Cannes Film Festival. pic.twitter.com/STrHM0APSf

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) May 13, 2026

The actor arrived at the event wearing a black blazer featuring the words “Fast Forever” on the back, referencing the final installment of the long-running franchise.

Before the movie started, Diesel thanked Cannes director Thierry Frémaux for inviting the film to the festival.

According to Variety, Diesel reflected on his first visit to Cannes more than 30 years ago, when he arrived as an unknown filmmaker carrying his belongings in a laundry bag.

The crowd warmly supported Diesel throughout the evening, repeatedly cheering and applauding during his speech.

Fast Franchise Finale Set for 2028

Diesel also confirmed that the final chapter of the Fast saga, titled Fast Forever, is currently planned for release in 2028.

He thanked fans for their loyalty and said their support is the reason the franchise continues after 25 years.

The Fast & Furious franchise began in 2001 and has grown into one of Hollywood’s most successful action series, earning more than $7 billion worldwide.

According to Variety, the final film is expected to release theatrically on March 17, 2028, with director Louis Leterrier returning to helm the project.