Vin Diesel became emotional as Meadow Walker, the 27-year-old daughter of his late friend Paul Walker, joined the cast of Fast & Furious at the Cannes Film Festival to celebrate the franchise's 25th anniversary. The event featured a midnight screening of the first film, The Fast and the Furious, originally released in 2001.
Diesel, 58, who is Meadow's godfather, appeared to tear up several times during a speech. He told her, 'I pray that in your life, you can have a brother like Paul,' before pausing to compose himself. He added, 'Oh Vin, why do you have to cry like this and show how human you are.' Diesel also praised Meadow, saying, 'She said, "I'm 27, and I'm watching this film that my father made at 27," and I thought, "How profound." Meadow has been such a source of strength, and I know he'd be so proud of you.'
Diesel addressed the audience, noting that the film introduced brotherhood between himself and his 'brother Pablo' (Paul Walker). He said, 'The person that was not going to let me come alone here, they represent that brotherhood, was Meadow Walker. I'm going to go and shed a tear real quick.' He also referenced the upcoming finale, Fast Forever, set for 2028, thanking fans for their loyalty.
Other franchise stars, including Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez, also attended the event. Paul Walker died in a car accident in November 2013 at age 40. His final full appearance was in Fast & Furious 6; his brothers Caleb and Cody, along with CGI, completed his scenes for Furious 7, which gave his character Brian O'Conner a tribute set to 'See You Again.'
