Dwayne Johnson’s Career: From ‘The Mummy Returns ‘ to ‘Moana 2’

Dwayne Johnson, once known to millions as ‘The Rock’ in the world of professional wrestling, made a powerful transition to the silver screen that few could have predicted. His early roles capitalized on his incredible physique and natural charisma, quickly establishing him as a bankable action star. He moved from playing mythic warriors and tough-as-nails heroes to proving he could carry a film on his own, turning franchises and standalone features into major box office hits.

Over the years, Johnson’s career evolved significantly beyond just action films. He demonstrated a surprising flair for comedy and a genuine warmth that made him a beloved figure in family-friendly movies. By lending his voice to animated characters and sharing the screen with A-list comedians, he broadened his appeal and became one of Hollywood’s most versatile and highest-paid actors. His journey from the wrestling ring to global movie stardom is a testament to his hard work and undeniable on-screen presence.

‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001)

This film marked Dwayne Johnson’s official acting debut in a major motion picture. He appeared in the opening sequence as Mathayus, a fearsome warrior who makes a pact with the god Anubis to conquer his enemies, becoming the legendary Scorpion King. Though his screen time was limited, his powerful presence made a lasting impression on audiences and filmmakers alike.

The majority of his performance in the movie’s climax was brought to life through computer-generated imagery, as his character returns as a monstrous scorpion-human hybrid. This brief but memorable role served as a perfect launching pad for his acting career, directly leading to his first starring vehicle the following year and setting the stage for his future as an action hero.

‘The Scorpion King’ (2002)

After his impactful debut, Johnson stepped into his first leading role in this spin-off prequel to ‘The Mummy Returns’. The story explores the origins of his character, Mathayus, an Akkadian mercenary hired to assassinate a sorceress working for a ruthless king. The film gave him the opportunity to showcase his abilities as a headliner, blending intense action sequences with his signature charm.

The movie proved to be a commercial success, solidifying his status as a legitimate Hollywood leading man. It demonstrated that his charisma and physical prowess could carry a major studio film, successfully transitioning him from a wrestling superstar into a full-fledged movie star.

‘The Rundown’ (2003)

In this action-comedy, Johnson plays Beck, a “retrieval expert” who is sent to the Amazon jungle to bring back his employer’s rebellious son. The film is celebrated for its creative fight choreography and the excellent on-screen chemistry between Johnson and his co-star, Seann William Scott. It was a critical success that further highlighted Johnson’s comedic timing.

The movie also features a memorable cameo from Arnold Schwarzenegger, who symbolically passes the torch to Johnson as the next big action star. This moment was widely seen as an endorsement from one generation’s action icon to the next, cementing Johnson’s place in the genre.

‘Walking Tall’ (2004)

This film is a remake of the 1973 classic of the same name and is based on a true story. Johnson portrays Chris Vaughn, a U.S. Army Special Forces sergeant who returns to his small hometown to find it plagued by corruption and crime. He takes matters into his own hands, becoming the town sheriff to clean up the streets.

The role allowed Johnson to play a more grounded and relatable hero, fighting for justice in a realistic setting. He brought a sense of conviction and intensity to the character, proving he could handle roles with more dramatic weight while still delivering the action audiences expected from him.

‘Be Cool’ (2005)

Johnson took on a surprising and memorable supporting role in this sequel to ‘Get Shorty’. He played Elliot Wilhelm, a flamboyant gay bodyguard and aspiring actor who steals every scene he is in. The character was a significant departure from his typical tough-guy persona and allowed him to showcase his comedic range and willingness to take risks.

His performance was widely praised as one of the highlights of the film. Playing a character who was both funny and endearing, Johnson proved he was more than just an action hero, displaying a versatility that would become a hallmark of his later career.

‘Doom’ (2005)

Based on the iconic video game franchise, this science-fiction action film saw Johnson take on a darker role. He played Sergeant Asher “Sarge” Mahonin, the hardened leader of a squad of space marines sent to a research facility on Mars to investigate a demonic outbreak. His character is a no-nonsense commander who will do whatever it takes to complete the mission.

The film is notable for a climactic sequence shot from a first-person perspective, directly mimicking the gameplay of the original video game. Johnson’s turn as the squad’s antagonistic leader was a departure from his usual heroic roles, showing his ability to play a more morally ambiguous character.

‘Southland Tales’ (2006)

This film is a complex and ambitious science-fiction satire from director Richard Kelly. Johnson stars as Boxer Santaros, an amnesiac action movie star who holds the key to a vast conspiracy in a futuristic, alternate-reality version of Los Angeles. The movie’s unconventional narrative and surrealist tone made it a challenging project.

While the film received a polarized reception upon its release, it has since developed a cult following. Johnson’s performance in such an experimental film demonstrated his interest in working on unique and artistically driven projects outside of the mainstream studio system.

‘Gridiron Gang’ (2006)

In this inspirational sports drama based on a true story, Johnson portrays Sean Porter, a probation officer at a juvenile detention center. He creates a football team to teach the teenage inmates discipline, self-respect, and teamwork, hoping to give them a second chance at life.

The role was a significant one for Johnson, as it allowed him to showcase his dramatic acting abilities in a heartfelt and emotional story. He brought a great deal of warmth and authority to the character of Porter, proving he could lead a film that relied more on character development and emotional depth than on large-scale action sequences.

‘The Game Plan’ (2007)

Johnson starred in this successful family comedy from Disney, which helped broaden his audience appeal. He played Joe Kingman, a star quarterback and confirmed bachelor whose life is turned upside down when the eight-year-old daughter he never knew he had shows up at his doorstep. The film was a major box office hit.

This movie marked a pivotal moment in his career, establishing him as a charming and capable lead in family-friendly entertainment. His comedic chemistry with his young co-star, Madison Pettis, was a key to the film’s success and opened the door for him to take on more lighthearted roles in the future.

‘Get Smart’ (2008)

In this big-screen adaptation of the classic spy-spoof television show, Johnson plays Agent 23, the top field agent for the secret agency CONTROL. His character is highly skilled, arrogant, and serves as both a role model and a rival to Steve Carell’s bumbling Maxwell Smart.

Johnson’s performance as the ultra-competent super-spy provided a perfect straight man to the comedic antics of the film’s lead. His involvement in the successful comedy demonstrated his ability to seamlessly fit into an ensemble cast and further solidified his credentials as a versatile performer.

‘Race to Witch Mountain’ (2009)

This movie is a modern re-imagining of the classic Disney science-fiction film ‘Escape to Witch Mountain’. Johnson plays Jack Bruno, a Las Vegas cab driver and ex-convict who gets caught up in an adventure when two alien siblings with psychic powers appear in his taxi. He must protect them from a secret government organization and an alien assassin.

The film continued to build on Johnson’s reputation as a reliable star for family-oriented action and adventure. It was another box office success for Disney with him in the lead, proving his appeal to a wide range of age groups and cementing his status as a go-to family movie star.

‘Planet 51’ (2009)

Johnson lent his voice to this animated science-fiction comedy. He voiced the main character, Captain Charles “Chuck” Baker, an American astronaut who lands on a distant planet, expecting it to be uninhabited. He is shocked to discover a thriving civilization of green aliens whose society closely resembles 1950s America.

This voice role was another step in diversifying his career, allowing him to reach an even younger audience. His charismatic vocal performance brought the confident but slightly clueless astronaut to life, making the character a highlight of the film.

‘Tooth Fairy’ (2010)

Continuing his run of family-friendly films, Johnson starred in this fantasy comedy. He played Derek Thompson, a cynical minor-league hockey player known for his aggressive style, which earns him the nickname “The Tooth Fairy.” After disillusioning a young fan, he is sentenced to serve one week as a real tooth fairy, complete with wings and a magic wand.

The movie’s silly premise allowed Johnson to fully embrace his comedic side, and it became another commercial success. It further solidified his image as a star who didn’t take himself too seriously and was willing to do anything for a laugh, endearing him to family audiences around the world.

‘Faster’ (2010)

This film marked Johnson’s return to the hard-hitting, R-rated action genre that first defined his career. He played a character known only as Driver, an ex-convict who is released from prison and immediately sets out on a violent mission to avenge his brother’s murder. The film is a gritty and intense revenge thriller.

‘Faster’ was a deliberate move to remind audiences of his action roots after a series of more family-oriented projects. His stoic and relentless performance was praised, and the film served as a reminder that he was still one of Hollywood’s most formidable action stars.

‘Fast Five’ (2011)

Johnson’s entry into the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise is widely credited with revitalizing the series and turning it into a global blockbuster phenomenon. He was introduced as Luke Hobbs, a relentless Diplomatic Security Service agent assigned to hunt down and capture Dominic Toretto and his crew in Brazil.

His character’s intense rivalry with Vin Diesel’s character created an electrifying dynamic that elevated the entire film. Johnson’s imposing presence and compelling performance made Hobbs an instant fan favorite and a crucial part of the franchise’s new direction toward large-scale, globe-trotting action spectacles.

‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’ (2012)

In this sequel to ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’, Johnson took over the lead role from Brendan Fraser. He played Hank, a former Navy codebreaker and the new stepfather to the previous film’s protagonist, who joins him on a quest to find a mythical island described by Jules Verne.

The film was a significant box office success, proving Johnson’s ability to successfully join and lead an existing franchise. His charm and action hero credentials were a perfect fit for the family-friendly adventure, and the movie continued his string of commercial hits.

‘Snitch’ (2013)

Inspired by a true story, this action thriller features Johnson in a more dramatic and grounded role. He plays John Matthews, a construction company owner whose teenage son is wrongly arrested for drug trafficking. To secure his son’s release, Matthews makes a deal to go undercover and infiltrate a powerful drug cartel for the DEA.

Johnson also served as a producer on the film, showing his growing influence behind the camera. The role of a desperate father pushed to extremes allowed him to display a different kind of vulnerability and intensity, earning him praise for his compelling and emotionally driven performance.

‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’ (2013)

Johnson joined another established franchise with this sequel to ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’. He played Marvin F. Hinton, also known as Roadblock, a heavy machine gunner and one of the few surviving members of the G.I. Joe team after an ambush. He steps up to lead the team as they seek to clear their names and stop the evil organization Cobra.

His addition to the cast was seen as a major factor in the sequel’s improved box office performance. As he did with the ‘Fast & Furious’ series, Johnson brought a new level of energy and star power that helped redefine the franchise and make it a bigger commercial success.

‘Pain & Gain’ (2013)

This dark action comedy, directed by Michael Bay, is based on a bizarre true story. Johnson co-starred as Paul Doyle, a cocaine-addicted, born-again Christian ex-convict who gets roped into a kidnapping and extortion scheme by a group of fellow bodybuilders from the Sun Gym.

The role was one of the most complex of his career, requiring him to balance comedy with the character’s darker, more tragic elements. His performance was critically acclaimed as a standout in the film, showcasing his remarkable range as an actor in a uniquely challenging part.

‘Fast & Furious 6’ (2013)

Johnson returned as the formidable agent Luke Hobbs in the sixth installment of the franchise. This time, Hobbs is forced to seek out Dominic Toretto’s crew for help in taking down a team of skilled mercenary drivers. In exchange for their assistance, Hobbs offers them full pardons for their past crimes.

By this point, his character had transitioned from an antagonist to a reluctant ally, a development that fans embraced. His continued presence helped the franchise reach new heights of popularity and box office success, cementing his role as an indispensable part of the series’ ensemble cast.

‘Hercules’ (2014)

In this film, Johnson took on the iconic role of the Greek demigod Hercules. The movie offers a grounded, revisionist take on the myth, portraying Hercules as a powerful mortal mercenary whose legendary twelve labors are exaggerated for effect. He and his band of fellow warriors are hired by a king to train his army.

To prepare for the role, Johnson underwent one of the most intense training and diet regimens of his entire career. He fully embodied the physical presence of the legendary hero, and the film provided him with the opportunity to lead a large-scale, sword-and-sandal epic.

‘Furious 7’ (2015)

Johnson reprised his role as Luke Hobbs for a third time in this highly successful entry in the series. His character is put out of commission early in the film after a brutal fight with the main villain, Deckard Shaw, played by Jason Statham. However, he makes a dramatic return for the film’s action-packed finale.

Despite having a smaller role compared to the previous two films, his presence was still a key element of the movie’s appeal. His memorable action sequences, including breaking out of a full arm cast simply by flexing, became fan-favorite moments in the franchise.

‘San Andreas’ (2015)

This large-scale disaster film saw Johnson as the lead, playing Ray Gaines, a Los Angeles Fire Department helicopter rescue pilot. When a series of catastrophic earthquakes devastates the California coast, he must navigate the widespread destruction to save his estranged wife and their daughter.

The movie was a massive commercial success, further proving Johnson’s immense drawing power as a solo star. His portrayal of an everyday hero pushed to extraordinary lengths resonated with audiences worldwide, and the film became one of the biggest box office hits of his career.

‘Central Intelligence’ (2016)

This action-comedy paired Johnson with comedian Kevin Hart, creating a dynamic and successful comedic duo. Johnson played Bob Stone, a formerly bullied, overweight teenager who grows up to become a muscular and highly skilled CIA agent. He enlists the help of his reluctant former high school classmate for a dangerous mission.

The on-screen chemistry between Johnson and Hart was universally praised and was the driving force behind the film’s success. The movie showcased Johnson’s comedic talents and his ability to play a character who was both a formidable action hero and endearingly awkward.

‘Moana’ (2016)

Johnson voiced the character of Maui in this critically acclaimed animated musical from Disney. Maui is a charismatic and powerful demigod of the wind and sea who has been exiled for a thousand years. He reluctantly joins the film’s heroine, Moana, on her quest to save her people by returning a mystical artifact to its rightful place.

The role allowed Johnson to showcase not only his voice acting and comedic timing but also his singing ability. He performed the hit song ‘You’re Welcome’, which was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and became a worldwide sensation. His performance as Maui is now one of his most beloved roles.

‘The Fate of the Furious’ (2017)

In his fourth appearance in the franchise, Johnson’s character Luke Hobbs starts the film in prison. He is forced to team up with his former nemesis, Deckard Shaw, to help the team when Dominic Toretto seemingly goes rogue and works for a mysterious cyberterrorist.

The film heavily focused on the comedic and contentious relationship between Hobbs and Shaw, a dynamic that was so popular with audiences it eventually led to their own spin-off movie. Johnson continued to be a central figure in the franchise’s ongoing global success.

‘Baywatch’ (2017)

Johnson starred in and executive produced this R-rated action-comedy reboot of the iconic 1990s television series. He took on the role of Mitch Buchannon, the devoted and serious leader of an elite team of lifeguards who uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the bay.

The film aimed to blend action with self-aware humor, spoofing the tone of the original show. Johnson’s performance as the straight-laced leader of the Baywatch team provided a comedic anchor amidst the movie’s more outrageous moments.

‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017)

This film served as a standalone sequel to the 1995 classic ‘Jumanji’, successfully relaunching the franchise for a new generation. Johnson played Dr. Smolder Bravestone, the strong and fearless video game avatar controlled by a nerdy, insecure high school student who gets sucked into the game. He also served as a producer on the film.

The movie was a surprise mega-hit, earning critical acclaim and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Johnson’s hilarious performance, which involved him playing against type as an awkward teen in a hero’s body, was a major highlight and key to the film’s overwhelming success.

‘Rampage’ (2018)

Based on the 1980s arcade game of the same name, this science-fiction monster film starred Johnson as a primatologist named Davis Okoye. His closest friend is an intelligent albino silverback gorilla named George, who becomes mutated into a giant, raging creature after a rogue genetic experiment goes wrong. Okoye must then try to save his friend and stop two other mutated animals from destroying Chicago.

The movie delivered the kind of large-scale, special effects-driven spectacle that audiences had come to expect from a Dwayne Johnson blockbuster. His heartfelt portrayal of the bond between his character and the gorilla gave the film an emotional core amidst all the city-wide destruction.

‘Skyscraper’ (2018)

In this action-thriller, Johnson played Will Sawyer, a former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran who now assesses security for skyscrapers. After the world’s tallest and safest building in Hong Kong is set ablaze by terrorists, he is framed for the crime and must go on the run to clear his name and rescue his family trapped inside.

Johnson, who also produced the film, performed many of his own physically demanding stunts, including those involving his character’s prosthetic leg. The film was a tribute to classic action movies like ‘Die Hard’ and ‘The Towering Inferno’, with Johnson embodying the unstoppable hero at its center.

‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ (2019)

Capitalizing on the popularity of their on-screen chemistry, Johnson and Jason Statham starred in the first official spin-off of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. The film sees Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw forced to team up against their will to stop a cyber-genetically enhanced terrorist who threatens the world with a deadly virus.

The movie allowed Johnson to fully explore the comedic and action-packed potential of his character outside the main series. It also gave him a chance to incorporate his own Samoan heritage into the story, with a significant portion of the film’s climax taking place on the island of Samoa.

‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ (2019)

Johnson reprised his role as the video game avatar Dr. Smolder Bravestone in this successful sequel. The story sees the main characters return to the world of Jumanji to rescue one of their own, but the game is now broken and more dangerous. This time, Bravestone’s avatar is controlled by the grandfather of the main character, played by Danny DeVito.

This new twist required Johnson to adopt a completely different persona, hilariously mimicking the voice and mannerisms of Danny DeVito for much of the film. His comedic performance was once again singled out as a highlight, and the movie continued the franchise’s massive box office success.

‘Jungle Cruise’ (2021)

Inspired by the classic Disney theme park ride, this adventure film starred Johnson alongside Emily Blunt. He played Frank Wolff, a charming but pun-loving riverboat captain in the Amazon during the early 20th century. He is hired to guide a determined British scientist and her brother on a perilous quest to find the mythical Tree of Life.

Johnson’s performance was perfectly suited for the film’s fun, adventurous tone, echoing the spirit of classic movies like ‘The African Queen’ and ‘Romancing the Stone’. His fantastic chemistry with co-star Emily Blunt was central to the movie’s charm and appeal for audiences of all ages.

‘Red Notice’ (2021)

This globe-trotting action-comedy for Netflix teamed Johnson with Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot. Johnson played John Hartley, the FBI’s top profiler, who is forced to partner with the world’s second-most wanted art thief to catch an even more elusive criminal mastermind. The film became one of the streaming platform’s most-watched original movies.

As both a star and a producer, Johnson helped craft a fun, fast-paced heist film filled with twists and witty banter. His character served as the stoic straight man to Ryan Reynolds’ constant jokes, creating a classic buddy-cop dynamic that powered the film.

‘DC League of Super-Pets’ (2022)

Johnson returned to voice acting in this animated superhero comedy, where he also served as a producer. He voiced Krypto the Superdog, Superman’s loyal canine companion. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must assemble a team of shelter animals who have just gained superpowers to rescue them.

In addition to voicing the lead character, Johnson also provided the voice for Black Adam and his dog, Anubis, in a post-credits scene, tying the family-friendly film to his live-action DC project. The movie was praised for its humor, heart, and for providing a fun new perspective on the world of superheroes.

‘Black Adam’ (2022)

After over a decade in development, Johnson finally brought the DC Comics character Teth-Adam, or Black Adam, to the big screen. The film tells the origin story of a powerful antihero from the ancient city of Kahndaq who is granted godlike powers and then imprisoned for 5,000 years. When he is unleashed in modern times, his brutal form of justice attracts the attention of the Justice Society of America.

The project was a passion for Johnson, who also produced the film and was instrumental in its creation. He aimed to introduce a disruptive and uncompromising new force into the DC cinematic universe, delivering an action-packed spectacle that showcased the character’s immense power.

‘Red One’ (2024)

This film is an original holiday-themed action-adventure comedy. Johnson stars as Callum Drift, the Commander of the E.L.F. Task Force at the North Pole. When Santa Claus is kidnapped on Christmas Eve, he must team up with the world’s most notorious bounty hunter to find him and save Christmas.

The movie aims to kickstart a new holiday-themed cinematic universe, blending action, comedy, and Christmas mythology. Johnson’s role as a tough-as-nails North Pole security chief continues his trend of starring in and producing large-scale, four-quadrant event films for a global audience.

‘Moana 2’ (2024)

Johnson is set to reprise his popular voice role as the demigod Maui in this highly anticipated animated sequel. The story follows Moana on a new and expansive journey after she receives an unexpected message from her wayfinding ancestors. She and Maui must travel to the far seas of Oceania for an adventure unlike anything they have ever faced.

The return of Johnson as Maui was met with excitement from fans around the world who fell in love with his charismatic and funny performance in the first film. The sequel promises more adventure, new characters, and new songs, with Maui’s dynamic with Moana once again at the heart of the story.

Let us know which Dwayne Johnson movie is your absolute favorite in the comments below.