Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is stepping far away from his typical action hero roles and embracing a more complex, dramatic character. On May 28, 2025, Johnson announced his involvement in the psychological thriller Breakthrough, marking his second collaboration with A24. In a tweet that excited fans, he shared what attracted him to the project, emphasizing that this role is very different from his usual characters like Hobbs or Black Adam.
Johnson expressed, "I was very hungry (and I’m grateful) for this kind of challenge. The story is a deep, dark psychological exploration of a culture dominated by motivational ‘masters’ and a soul searching for a deeper purpose. It’s a character I need to approach with care."
In Breakthrough, Johnson portrays a leading figure in the manipulative self-help industry—a charming yet sinister character. Set in early 2000s Southern California, the film follows a marginalized young man caught in the grip of this enigmatic persona. The screenplay is by Zeke Goodman, with casting ongoing and no director officially announced yet.
This project represents a significant departure for Johnson, who has achieved fame through high-octane action films. Along with another upcoming A24 movie, Smashing Machine, where he plays MMA legend Mark Kerr, Johnson is diving into roles that demand greater psychological depth and emotional complexity. This shift highlights his desire to evolve beyond his action star image and tackle more dramatic, thought-provoking work.
Is this the new direction we’ve all been waiting for from The Rock? Should he continue exploring such intense, dark roles like Breakthrough, or would fans prefer him to stick to blockbuster action movies? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Fan Take: This bold move to more dramatic and psychologically intense roles shows The Rock’s commitment to growth beyond his wrestling persona, which excites WWE fans who value his versatility. If he succeeds, it could inspire fresh storytelling angles in WWE, blending his evolved character depth with wrestling’s theatrical flair.
