Dwayne Johnson Actors on Actors will see the two stars reconnect for the first time in two decades on Variety’s Season 23 lineup, launching on December 5. This memorable reunion celebrates their history from “The Mummy Returns” and offers fans an inside look at their friendship and the craft of acting.
Actors on Actors Welcomes Dwayne Johnson and Brendan Fraser
This season, Variety has chosen to pair Dwayne Johnson and Brendan Fraser, who have not shared the spotlight since their collaboration in the 2001 blockbuster, “The Mummy Returns.” Their episode will air as part of a 13-day rollout, with a new set of actors revealed daily, drawing enthusiasm from the entertainment world.
Ramin Setoodeh, Variety’s co-editor-in-chief, highlighted the anticipation for this installment, stating,
“We can’t wait for fans of this Emmy-winning series to savor every minute of these conversations on CNN and Variety.”
– Ramin Setoodeh, Co-Editor-in-Chief
The History Between Johnson and Fraser
Johnson’s transition from WWE to film began with Fraser, who was widely recognized as one of the industry’s biggest stars at the time. For Johnson, being cast in “The Mummy Returns” was a pivotal turning point and marked his film debut as the Scorpion King. Reflecting on that moment, Johnson recalled on the New Heights podcast,
“The very first movie I ever did was a movie called The Mummy Returns. Brendan Fraser was one of the biggest stars in the world, as he is today.”
– Dwayne Johnson, Actor
The experience was especially meaningful to Johnson since he had never acted before entering the franchise. He shared his excitement about joining the cast:
“so excited to be cast in the film, [in] a small part called the Scorpion King.”
– Dwayne Johnson, Actor
Despite Johnson’s inexperience, Fraser’s welcoming attitude left a lasting impression. Johnson expressed deep gratitude, explaining how Fraser could have been hesitant about working alongside a pro-wrestler, but instead,
“Brendan Fraser, by the way, I always want to make mention of this. He was one of the biggest stars in the world. That 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.’”
– Dwayne Johnson, Actor
Fraser’s support helped Johnson transition successfully into the film industry. Johnson shared,
“embraced me. I love that man for that, and he helped kick off my career.”
– Dwayne Johnson, Actor
Brendan Fraser Reflects on Johnson’s Career
Brendan Fraser, who has maintained a close friendship with Johnson, also commented on Johnson’s growth and recent achievements. He expressed admiration for Johnson’s role in “The Smashing Machine,” adding,
“Dwayne, he’s a really great guy, and it’s gonna be exciting to watch him emerge from this. I predict you’ll be seeing a lot more of him on these red carpets in the days to come.”
– Brendan Fraser, Actor (via PEOPLE)
What Fans Can Expect from the Upcoming Episode
The much-anticipated reunion episode featuring Dwayne Johnson and Brendan Fraser is set to premiere on Monday, December 8. As part of Variety’s acclaimed “Actors on Actors” series, this episode will delve into their experiences, lasting friendship, and perspectives on artistry, promising viewers heartfelt exchanges and inspiring moments.
The Dwayne Johnson Actors on Actors pairing not only rekindles a beloved Hollywood connection but also highlights the importance of support between colleagues in the industry. Their conversation stands out as a celebration of both personal growth and shared history, signaling a meaningful moment for fans of both stars and followers of film alike.
