Dwayne Johnson, long recognized for his blockbuster performances and charismatic presence, is taking a significant step into critically acclaimed territory as he partners with A24 and director Darren Aronofsky for the new psychological thriller Breakthrough. This bold move could dramatically shift Dwayne Johnson Oscar chances with A24 thriller, positioning him for his first serious shot at an Academy Award.
Dwayne Johnson’s Transition Toward Dramatic Roles
Best known under his ring name “The Rock,” Johnson first made his name in professional wrestling before becoming one of the world’s most successful and highest-paid movie stars. His early film career was filled with action-packed franchises like Fast and Furious and family-friendly comedies such as The Tooth Fairy and The Game Plan, and he even found success in voice acting as Maui in Moana, revisiting the role in the sequel released last year.
Recently, Dwayne Johnson has sought out more dramatic opportunities to expand his acting range. In the upcoming Benny Safdie-directed film The Smashing Machine, Johnson portrays real-life UFC champion Mark Kerr, blending his wrestling background with a deeper, more emotional character study. Although this role aligns with his athletic past, it signals an important shift beyond his comfort zone. Johnson’s casting in the A24 thriller Breakthrough further deepens his commitment to serious acting—a move that could be pivotal for his Oscar prospects.
Darren Aronofsky’s Direction Brings Johnson Closer to Oscar Glory
Darren Aronofsky’s influence as director is a critical factor bolstering Johnson’s Oscar potential in Breakthrough. Aronofsky is celebrated for his intense, emotionally driven films like Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan, which have become Oscar landmarks. Throughout his career, he has guided actors such as Ellen Burstyn, Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, and Natalie Portman to Academy Award nominations, with Portman winning Best Actress for her performance in Black Swan.
Aronofsky’s recent success with The Whale shows his continued ability to draw out powerful, award-worthy performances. The film received two acting nominations at the Oscars, and Brendan Fraser won Best Actor, echoing the way he revitalizes performers not previously associated with Oscar-caliber work. Like Johnson, Fraser had a track record of lighter, more commercial projects before working with Aronofsky. This precedent demonstrates how Aronofsky’s direction in Breakthrough could launch Johnson into serious Oscar contention.
A24’s Track Record Strengthens the Film’s Award Prospects
A24’s participation further elevates the Oscar hopes for Breakthrough and its lead actor. The independent production house has developed a reputation for nurturing films that receive critical acclaim and perform strongly during awards season. In 2024, Adrian Brody won Best Actor for A24’s The Brutalist, and the company was also behind The Whale, which brought Fraser to Oscar victory. This consistent recognition at the Academy Awards underlines the potential impact of both the studio and director on Dwayne Johnson’s bid for Oscar attention.
Breakthrough Marks a Turning Point After The Smashing Machine
Before releasing Breakthrough, Johnson will appear as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, offering his first substantial foray into serious drama and biopic territory. Led by Benny Safdie and associated with A24, the film carries its own potential for award recognition, though it is always a challenge to secure acting nominations for sports-themed movies, as seen with last year’s overlooked Challengers.
The Smashing Machine is expected to lay groundwork for Johnson’s reputation as a serious actor, pushing audiences and critics to see him in a new light. However, it may be Breakthrough—helmed by the more established Aronofsky—that provides Johnson with the strongest opportunity to secure his first Best Actor nomination. His progression from action and comedy to roles demanding greater emotional depth could pave the way for a significant Oscar ‘arc.’ Backed by his A-list status and the combined expertise of A24 and Aronofsky, Johnson’s path to Oscar consideration appears more tangible than ever, with the ultimate success hinging on the quality and depth of his performances.
