Honestly, it feels like we’ve been watching the same Dwayne Johnson movie for a decade. You know the one. He’s in a tight tan shirt, probably in a jungle, definitely driving something that costs more than your house, and usually jumping off a skyscraper or punching a helicopter. It worked. For a long time, it worked incredibly well. But lately, things have been shifting. If you’re looking at the rock recent movies, you’ll notice the "Franchise Viagra" era is cooling off to make room for something way more interesting—and a little risky.
The guy is at a crossroads. We just saw Red One land in late 2024 with a massive $200 million price tag and a lot of holiday spirit, but it didn't exactly set the world on fire at the box office. Then you've got the Disney machine churning out Moana 2, which is basically a guaranteed license to print money. But the real story isn't the sequels or the Christmas specials. It's the fact that Johnson is finally stepping away from the "invincible hero" brand to play a real, flawed, sweating human being in A24’s The Smashing Machine.
The Red One Gamble and the Big Disney Safety Net
Let’s talk about Red One for a second. It was supposed to be this massive start to a new franchise. Amazon MGM poured a fortune into it, pairing Johnson with Chris Evans to save a kidnapped Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons). It was fun, sure. But it also felt like the peak of "Brand Rock." It’s that glossy, high-concept action-comedy we expect. The box office numbers were... okay. About $186 million worldwide by the end of its run. For most actors, that’s a win. For a $200 million movie starring the biggest guy in Hollywood? It’s a bit of a head-scratcher.
Then there’s Maui. You can’t escape the demigod. Moana 2 hit theaters in November 2024, and it reminded everyone that when Johnson leans into his charismatic, singing, animated self, people show up in droves.
But Disney isn’t stopping there. We are currently staring down a massive 2026 for the Moana franchise. There is a live-action Moana remake coming on July 10, 2026. Johnson is back in the grass skirt, but this time it’s not just a voice booth; he’s actually on set in Hawaii. It’s a bold move to release a live-action version so soon after an animated sequel, but Disney clearly thinks the appetite is infinite.
Why The Smashing Machine Changes Everything
If you’ve followed his career, you know the biggest criticism: he never loses. His contracts reportedly even have clauses about how many times he can get hit.
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That’s why The Smashing Machine is the most important of the rock recent movies. This isn’t a blockbuster. It’s an A24 production directed by Benny Safdie—the guy who gave us the anxiety-inducing Uncut Gems.
Johnson is playing Mark Kerr, a real-life MMA legend who struggled with a crushing addiction to painkillers while dominating the UFC in the late 90s.
- He lost the signature "Rock" look.
- He wore prosthetics to look more like Kerr.
- He actually acts.
The film had a limited theatrical run starting October 3, 2025, and while it didn't do "Fast & Furious" numbers, the critical reception was the best he’s had in years. People are actually talking about him as an actor again, not just a walking marketing department. It’s a pivot. A necessary one.
What’s Still in the Pipeline?
Is he done with the big franchises? Not a chance. The man has a schedule that would kill a normal human.
Jumanji and the Fast Family
We finally have a date for Jumanji 3 (or 4, depending on how you count the 90s original). It’s set for December 11, 2026. The whole gang—Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan—is expected to return. It’s the ultimate holiday safe bet.
Then there’s the whole "Fast and Furious" mess. Remember the beef with Vin Diesel? It’s supposedly over. Johnson showed up at the end of Fast X, and we were promised a standalone film titled Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Reyes. The idea was to bridge the gap before Fast 11 (or Fast X: Part II). However, that project has been a bit quiet lately. Most industry insiders expect Hobbs to just fold back into the main cast for the grand finale in 2026 or 2027, especially with the "Hobbs & Reyes" project currently in a weird development limbo.
The Monster Jam Project
One of the weirder announcements from the 2024 D23 Expo was a Monster Jam movie. Johnson is developing a film centered around those massive, car-crushing trucks. It sounds exactly like the kind of loud, family-friendly spectacle he loves, but details are still pretty thin.
The Black Adam Shadow
We have to address the elephant in the room: Black Adam. For years, he told us the "hierarchy of power" was about to change. It didn't. When James Gunn took over DC Studios, the plans for Black Adam 2 were scrapped.
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Johnson has been pretty vocal about this, blaming a "vortex of new leadership." It was a humbling moment. It proved that even the biggest star in the world can't force a franchise to happen if the audience and the studio aren't vibing with it. It’s likely the reason why he’s diversifying so much now. He’s no longer putting all his eggs in the superhero basket.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Moviegoers
If you're trying to keep up with the Rock's career, don't just look at the box office. Look at the producers.
- Watch the Indie Pivot: If you want to see if he can actually win an Oscar one day, keep an eye on The Smashing Machine now that it's on digital. It’s the blueprint for his "Phase 2" career.
- Check the 2026 Calendar: July (Moana) and December (Jumanji) are going to be dominated by him. If you're a parent, just budget for it now.
- Follow Seven Bucks Productions: This is his company. They are moving into more "unscripted" and diverse content, including the Monster Jam stuff.
The era of the "unbeatable hero" might be fading, but the era of Dwayne Johnson the actor might just be getting started. It’s a weird transition to watch, but honestly, it’s a lot more interesting than another movie about a guy in a tan shirt.
To stay ahead of his release schedule, your best bet is to monitor official A24 and Disney press rooms. The production cycles for Moana and Jumanji are moving fast, so expect trailers for the 2026 slate to start dropping by late 2025.