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Dwayne Johnson, known for his action-packed roles in Hollywood, is no stranger to the pitfalls of typecasting. Fans often argue that the WWE star has basically made an acting career out of the same role.
However, the lackluster reception ofRed Onemight provide an unexpected opportunity for The Rock to pivot his career and shatter the perception that he’s stuck playing the same rugged, wisecracking hero in every movie. Dwayne Johnson has, after all, shown his acting range in the past, but this seems to be more of a case of how audiences and Hollywood creators view him, rather than a lack of ability.
Dwayne Johnson has been seen in countless predictable roles in recent years
Despite his incredible box office appeal,Dwayne Johnson’scareer has often been criticized for its predictability. Whether he’s navigating the jungle inJumanji, saving the day inSkyscraper, or battling CGI villains inBlack Adam, his roles follow a familiar formula: the loner-turned-reluctant team player who triumphs against all odds.
This pigeon-holed casting, while commercially successful, has overshadowed the actor’s true range. Films likeThe Game Plan(2007), where Johnson played a vulnerable father, andFaster(2010), a gritty revenge thriller, showcased his dramatic and emotional depth. Unfortunately, such roles have been eclipsed by the repetitive action-hero archetype that studios often cast him in.
Still, this is not something unique to The Rock. Icons like Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie were boxed into certain tropes early in their careers. However, both expanded their repertoires—Cruise with dramatic roles likeRain ManandMagnolia, and Jolie with award-winning performances inGirl, Interrupted, eventually becoming one of the most iconic female actors in the whole of Hollywood.
Red Oneis both a commercial and a critical failure
Red One, a $250 million holiday blockbuster starring Johnson andChris Evans, has failed to dazzle critics. The movie has a 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a 37 score on Metacritic, and has been largely criticizd by major media outlets, as this post on Reddit shows.
WhileRed One‘s financial loss may sting, it could be a blessing in disguise for Johnson. The lukewarm reception highlights the growing fatigue with formulaic blockbusters, signaling that it’s time for a reinvention.Red One‘s box office woes underscore the need for Dwayne Johnson to move beyond his typical roles.
As audiences grow weary of predictable blockbusters such asArgylleandThe Killers of the Flower Moon,now is the perfect time for The Rock to break his Hollywood curse and let his versatility shine. From heartfelt dramas to dark thrillers, Johnson has the talent to take on a wider range of characters—and perhaps earn the critical acclaim that has eluded him thus far.
Red Oneis available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
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