Dwayne Johnson, now a leading figure in Hollywood, opened up about how his career beginnings were significantly influenced by Brendan Fraser. Reflecting on his early acting days, Johnson credited Fraser’s support during the filming of the 2001 movie The Mummy Returns as crucial in helping him transition from wrestling to acting.
Brendan Fraser’s Support Played a Vital Role in Johnson’s Early Success
On the New Heights podcast, Johnson shared insights into his early career, emphasizing how Fraser welcomed him on set despite Johnson’s complete lack of acting experience. He recalled the kindness and encouragement Fraser showed as he stepped into a major Hollywood production for the first time.
“Brendan Fraser, by the way, I always want to make mention of this. He was one of the biggest stars in the world. [The Mummy] was his franchise. I am coming in, I have never acted before, I’m excited. He could have easily said, ‘I don’t know if I want this wrestler.’ I love that man for [welcoming me to the fold], and he helped kick off my career.” – Dwayne Johnson, Actor
Johnson’s admiring reflection highlights Fraser’s openness and generosity, which gave a budding actor confidence to pursue his new path. This moment marked an important stepping stone not only for Johnson’s career but also for the broader realization that he could successfully navigate the film industry.
The Evolution of Dwayne Johnson’s Hollywood Career
Having established himself as a leading action star, Johnson’s career has seen major highs and some recent challenges. He achieved significant success starring in blockbuster franchises like the Fast & Furious series and Jumanji, along with producing Netflix’s record-breaking film Red Notice. Despite such achievements, recent years have brought some setbacks that tested his industry standing.
One notable disappointment was the reception to Black Adam, a Warner Bros. film that Johnson had heavily promoted as a pivotal entry to the DC Extended Universe. The movie’s underwhelming box office performance, despite the inclusion of star Henry Cavill and Johnson’s own high-profile involvement, disrupted plans for a larger cinematic franchise.
Since then, Johnson has struggled to replicate his prior box office triumphs. His latest film, The Smashing Machine, though praised for his performance and Oscar potential, did not meet expectations commercially. Additionally, while Red Notice initially topped Netflix’s all-time viewing charts, it was soon surpassed by the Korean pop-inspired Demon Hunters.
Upcoming Projects Signal a Comeback with Diverse Roles
Looking ahead, Johnson appears poised for a career resurgence with upcoming films in established franchises and bold new ventures. He is scheduled to return to both the Fast & Furious and Jumanji series, which remain popular with wide audiences. Alongside these familiar roles, Johnson is taking on a risky project titled Lizard Music, adapted from Daniel Pinkwater’s well-loved novel.
In Lizard Music, Johnson is undergoing a striking physical transformation to portray the septuagenarian character “Chicken Man,” which demonstrates his commitment to challenging and diverse roles. The film, recently acquired by Amazon MGM Studios, has potential to be a standout in his career.
Meanwhile, The Smashing Machine is expected to be released on HBO Max soon, offering a broader audience a chance to witness what many consider Johnson’s finest acting work to date, regardless of its box office results.
Remembering the Cast of The Mummy Returns
The Mummy Returns featured a strong ensemble alongside Johnson’s early role, led by Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell. Rachel Weisz portrayed Evelyn O’Connell/Nefertiri, while John Hannah played Jonathan Carnahan and Oded Fehr appeared as Ardeth Bay. Together, these actors helped create a memorable adventure film that was a launching point for Johnson and a career highlight for Fraser.
