Dwayne Johnson, warmly known as “The Rock,” has transcended his roots in professional wrestling to become one of Hollywood’s most versatile and beloved stars. From his charismatic performances in blockbuster films to his engaging roles on television, Johnson has captivated audiences worldwide with his talent, charm, and relentless work ethic. This blog delves into his impressive body of work, highlighting each movie and TV role that has defined his remarkable career. Join us as we explore the highlights of Dwayne Johnson’s journey through the entertainment industry.
Movies and TV
‘The Scorpion King’ (2002)
Dwayne Johnson made his leading role debut in The Scorpion King, a spin-off of his character from The Mummy Returns (2001). In this film, he portrayed Mathayus, the titular Scorpion King, a skilled warrior who becomes a legendary ruler. The movie achieved commercial success, earning more than $165 million worldwide, and it established Johnson as a viable action star in Hollywood.
‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001)
Before starring in The Scorpion King, Johnson first appeared as the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns. Though his role was relatively small, his portrayal of the ancient warrior brought significant attention, leading to the creation of the spin-off. This marked his first significant Hollywood role, showcasing his acting potential beyond wrestling.
‘Be Cool’ (2005)
In Be Cool, a sequel to Get Shorty, Johnson played Elliot Wilhelm, a gay bodyguard aspiring to become an actor. The role departed from his previous action-heavy parts and demonstrated his comedic timing and versatility. In this film, he starred alongside John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Vince Vaughn, allowing him to break out of the tough-guy mold.
‘The Game Plan’ (2007)
In The Game Plan, Johnson starred as Joe Kingman, a successful NFL quarterback who discovers he has an eight-year-old daughter. This family comedy showcased Johnson’s softer side and ability to carry a film that appealed to audiences of all ages. The movie was a box-office success, earning more than $146 million globally.
‘Faster’ (2010)
In “Faster, ” Johnson returned to his action roots, playing a character known as “Driver,” a man on a mission for revenge after his release from prison. The film was a gritty, intense action movie highlighting Johnson’s ability to portray a darker, more serious character. While not a massive box-office success, it was well-received by action genre fans.
‘Fast & Furious 6’ (2013)
Johnson reprised his role as Luke Hobbs in Fast & Furious 6, a sequel that continued the high-octane adventures of the street-racing crew. His DSS agent character became a fan favorite for his tough, no-nonsense approach. The film was a major success, grossing over $788 million worldwide, and further solidified Johnson’s place in the franchise.
‘Hercules’ (2014)
In Hercules, Johnson played the titular character, bringing the legendary demigod to life. The movie combined Johnson’s physical prowess with his growing acting skills, creating a larger-than-life character that resonated with audiences. Though the film received mixed reviews, Johnson’s performance was praised, and it grossed $244 million globally.
‘San Andreas’ (2015)
San Andreas saw Johnson play Ray Gaines, a rescue helicopter pilot navigating the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California. The disaster film was a box-office hit, earning over $474 million worldwide. Johnson’s portrayal of a determined father and hero in the face of natural disaster resonated with viewers and added to his list of successful action roles.
‘Ballers’ (2015-2019)
On the small screen, Johnson starred as Spencer Strasmore in HBO’s Ballers. The show focused on a retired NFL player turned financial manager who navigates the highs and lows of life after football. Ballers ran for five seasons and was a critical and commercial success, showcasing Johnson’s range as an actor and his ability to lead a dramatic series.
‘Central Intelligence’ (2016)
In Central Intelligence, Johnson teamed up with comedian Kevin Hart in this action-comedy. Johnson played Bob Stone, a former high school outcast turned CIA agent who enlists the help of an old classmate. The movie was a hit, grossing over $217 million worldwide, and highlighted Johnson’s comedic talent and on-screen chemistry with Hart.
‘Moana’ (2016)
In Disney’s animated hit Moana, Johnson lent his voice to Maui, a demigod with a larger-than-life personality. The film was a crucial and commercial success, grossing over $643 million worldwide. Johnson’s performance, including his singing debut with the song “You’re Welcome,” was widely praised and added a new dimension to his career.
‘Baywatch’ (2017)
Johnson starred in Baywatch, a comedy adaptation of the 1990s TV series, playing Mitch Buchannon, the leader of a group of lifeguards. The film aimed to blend action with humor, and Johnson’s performance was a key highlight. Despite mixed reviews, Baywatch became a cult favorite and added to Johnson’s repertoire of action comedies.
‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017)
In “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” Johnson played Dr. Smolder Bravestone, an in-game avatar in a video-game version of the classic board game. The film was a tremendous success, earning more than $962 million worldwide, and was praised for its humor, action, and chemistry among its cast, including Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan.
‘Rampage’ (2018)
Rampage saw Johnson play Davis Okoye, a primatologist who must save the world from giant, genetically altered animals. Based on the 1980s arcade game, the film was a box-office success, grossing over $428 million worldwide. Johnson’s performance and the film’s special effects were critical factors in its popularity.
‘Skyscraper’ (2018)
In Skyscraper, Johnson played Will Sawyer, a former FBI agent and amputee who must rescue his family from a burning skyscraper. The movie was an intense action thriller that showcased Johnson’s ability to handle physically demanding roles. Skyscraper was a moderate box-office success, earning $304 million globally.
‘Fighting with My Family’ (2019)
Johnson made a special appearance in Fighting with My Family, a biographical sports comedy-drama based on the life of WWE wrestler Saraya “Paige” Bevis. Johnson, playing himself, was also a film producer, which received critical approval for its heartfelt story and performances.
‘Hobbs & Shaw’ (2019)
In Hobbs & Shaw, a spin-off of the Fast & Furious franchise, Johnson reprised his role as Luke Hobbs, teaming up with Jason Statham’s character. The film achieved blockbuster status, raking in over $760 million worldwide, and was praised for its action sequences and the chemistry between the two leads.
‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ (2019)
Johnson returned as Dr. Smolder Bravestone in Jumanji: The Next Level, the sequel to Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The film continued the adventure in the video-game world and was another commercial success, earning over $800 million globally. Johnson’s performance was a highlight, contributing to the franchise’s enduring popularity.
‘Young Rock’ (2021-Present)
Young Rock is a TV series that chronicles Dwayne Johnson’s early life, from his childhood to his early wrestling career. The show features Johnson as himself, with other actors portraying him at different stages of his life. Young Rock has been well-received for its humor, heart, and insight into Johnson’s life before fame.
‘Red Notice’ (2021)
Johnson starred alongside Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot in the Netflix film Red Notice. He played John Hartley, an FBI agent who teams up with a con artist to capture an elusive art thief. The film became one of Netflix’s most-watched movies, with Johnson’s charisma and action-star presence playing a significant role in its success.
