Dwayne Johnson is branching into new territory, as he takes on the role of a morally ambiguous motivational guru in A24’s upcoming psychological thriller, Breakthrough, with award-winning director Darren Aronofsky in early talks to helm the project set in Southern California. This move signals an intriguing shift for Johnson, known for his successful transformations from wrestling icon to leading Hollywood actor, and places him squarely at the center of a fresh story focusing on psychological manipulation and hidden darkness, further cementing his place in the acting world.
Johnson’s Latest Role and Aronofsky’s Collaboration on Breakthrough
After years establishing himself first as WWE’s beloved “The Rock” and later as a bankable movie star, Dwayne Johnson is now set to challenge himself with perhaps his most complex character yet—starring as a motivational guru whose allure hides questionable methods. Breakthrough, financed and produced by A24, will follow the unraveling life of an isolated young man under the influence of Johnson’s character, whose compelling persona masks deeper manipulations. As of now, casting for the protagonist and other key roles is ongoing, according to industry sources.
Darren Aronofsky, noted for his emotionally intense films, is reportedly in early discussions to direct Breakthrough—a move that would mark his return to A24 after the acclaimed 2022 drama The Whale. Aronofsky’s involvement brings significant anticipation, especially in light of his recent success guiding Brendan Fraser to an Oscar-winning performance.
Darren Aronofsky’s Impactful Career and Previous Accolades
Aronofsky’s The Whale resonated strongly with critics and audiences, winning Best Actor and Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the Oscars. The film told the moving story of Charlie, played by Brendan Fraser, a reclusive English teacher striving to reconnect with his teenage daughter Ellie, portrayed by Sadie Sink. Also joining the cast were Hong Chau and Samantha Morton, forming a powerful ensemble. Premiered at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival in 2022, The Whale was praised for its deep character studies and emotional storytelling.
During a 2023 interview with BFI, Aronofsky said,
“What’s exciting about Brendan is no one’s seen this side of him. Definitely, no one’s seen this side of him for a very long time. Once a movie star, always a movie star. And it’s just exciting to see that artist come back to life and be given such a complicated character.”
—Darren Aronofsky, Director
Upcoming Releases for Johnson and Aronofsky Attract Attention
Dwayne Johnson and Darren Aronofsky each have other highly anticipated films arriving within weeks of each other in 2025. Aronofsky’s next feature, Caught Stealing, is a crime thriller featuring Austin Butler, Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, and Matt Smith, immersing viewers in New York’s criminal underworld of the 1990s, with a slated release by Sony Pictures on August 29, 2025.
Johnson’s schedule includes the sports drama The Smashing Machine from A24, set for release on October 3, 2025, where he’ll depict real-life wrestling and MMA figure Mark Kerr. The film also features Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples, Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman, Bas Rutten as himself, and Oleksandr Usyk as Igor Vovchanchyn, with Benny Safdie directing and co-producing.
The Impact of Johnson’s and Aronofsky’s Partnership
This collaboration between Dwayne Johnson—famed for action-packed roles—and director Darren Aronofsky—renowned for nuanced psychological drama—heralds a new direction for both artists. With A24 backing the production and a story exploring manipulation beneath motivational rhetoric, the film is poised to resonate with fans of thought-provoking cinema. As casting continues and production details emerge, the anticipation grows for what could be a defining point in Johnson’s acting career and another achievement for Aronofsky.
