Key Takeaways:
– Dwayne Johnson had waited for 15 years to pitch his dream project “Hercules. ”
– The actor turned down offers from successful franchises, notably Transformers.
– Johnson is now heading towards more dramatic roles with his upcoming film, “The Smashing Machine,” where he may be joined by Emily Blunt.
The Rise of Dwayne Johnson
Known for his roles in top-performing franchises such as “Fast and the Furious” and “Jumanji,” Dwayne Johnson has risen to A-list status. Johnson’s audience appeal significantly contributes to these films’ blockbuster successes. Starting in the 2000s, Johnson had to hone his craft and diligently climb the Hollywood ladder.
The actor began securing leading parts in big-budget films in the 2010s. Despite his massive success, Johnson remained true to a passion project that had been on his mind since starting his acting career.
Johnson’s Dream Project: Hercules
In the film industry, even big stars struggle to get their passion projects greenlit. Johnson was no different. He nurtured a dream to produce and star in a film about Hercules. Balancing passion and practicality, he knew that building his star power was crucial to turning this dream into reality.
According to Johnson’s interview with The Guardian in 2014, the journey to his Hercules film lasted 15 years. Studio executives initially declined his project, citing his then-limited star power. Taking this obstacle in stride, Johnson dedicated himself to escalating his Hollywood presence. His hard work eventually paid off in the form of his 2014 film “Hercules.”
Passion vs Profit: Johnson’s Route to Hercules
Undeterred by Hollywood executives, Johnson remained steadfast in pursuing his dream role. His faith in his passion project was so strong that he turned down a chance to star in the lucrative Transformers franchise. Johnson put his aspiration ahead of a surefire moneymaker, a testament to his dedication to realizing his Hercules dream.
The actor’s wait was eventually rewarded when Hercules opened to a warm reception. Johnson’s fans can currently watch his passion project on Paramount+.
Stepping into More Serious Roles: The Smashing Machine
Continuing his diverse acting portfolio, Johnson has signed on to Benny Safdie’s upcoming film, “The Smashing Machine.” Away from his usual action-hero roles, this project sees Johnson taking on a more dramatic part, something he hasn’t done since 2013’s “Snitch.”
In The Smashing Machine, Johnson will portray MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The film delves into diverse aspects of Kerr’s life, including his career, addiction, relationships, and more.
Joining Forces with Emily Blunt
To add to the excitement, Variety reports that Emily Blunt is in talks to star alongside Johnson in The Smashing Machine. The reunion promises to be a treat for fans who enjoyed their chemistry in 2021’s Jungle Cruise.
Johnson has expressed his enthusiasm for this project. He’s eager to bring stories that matter to the screen, focusing on major themes of humanity, struggle, and pain.
In summary, being true to his passion allowed Dwayne Johnson to be faithful to his craft and deliver more diverse and meaningful cinema to audiences worldwide. This dedication will play out in the upcoming “The Smashing Machine” and further attest to Johnson’s prowess, both as a box office titan and a dedicated actor. From his 15-year journey to Hercules to his new dramatic venture, Johnson’s career is the epitome of creativity and perseverance.
