Hollywood’s titan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, has recently found himself at the heart of multiple controversies, casting a shadow over his stellar reputation. Known for his outstanding performances in blockbusters such as Disney’s Jungle Cruise (2021), Jumanji (2017), and the Fast & Furious franchise, Johnson’s world appears to be somewhat shaky these days.
Johnson’s recent portrayal of Black Adam in the Warner Bros. DC Universe film (2022) failed to strike a chord with audiences, marking a significant setback for the star. The highly anticipated film stumbled at the box office, with James Gunn’s subsequent takeover of the DC Universe leading to the cancellation of a potential sequel involving Johnson. Adding salt to the wound, a feud with Zachary Levi, another star in the DC Universe, over character crossovers in the DC films did not reflect well on Johnson’s reputation.
Moreover, Johnson is now a defendant in a $3 billion lawsuit led by Trenesha Biggers, a former WWE performer also known as Rhaka Khan. The case alleges kidnapping and includes a host of other defendants ranging from state and local authorities to financial institutions and retail corporations. The lawsuit’s progression casts yet another shadow on Johnson’s bright career.
Despite these setbacks, Johnson was set to reprise his role as Maui in a live-action adaptation of Moana (2016). This announcement, made alongside Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger, has been met with mixed reactions. Fans criticized Disney’s reliance on remakes, though Johnson’s involvement seemed like a glimmer of hope for the project.
However, rumors suggest that Disney has dropped Johnson from this project and other future ones, including a new Pirates of the Caribbean film. Though unconfirmed, the speculation implies a strained relationship between Johnson and Disney, leaving the future of the live-action Moana in question. Johnson had previously expressed excitement about the Moana remake and even hinted at his readiness to sing for the character again.
The controversies surrounding Johnson have not deterred him from maintaining a confident front. In a recent ESPN interview, Johnson hinted at his continued involvement in the Moana remake, though no official announcements have been made. The WWE superstar, now a renowned actor and entrepreneur, also teased a potential return to wrestling, a return that would pit him against his cousin, Roman Reigns.
In conclusion, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s relationship with Disney and Warner Bros. appears to be strained amidst his recent controversies. However, the actor’s unwavering confidence, coupled with his immense popularity, may yet see him weather the storm. With the future of his involvement in Disney projects hanging in the balance, fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting official word.