One reason 160,000 actors and members of the SAG-AFTRA Union are on strike is because of the lack of trust between the two sides regarding the reporting of views on the major streamers. And the news about Dwayne Johnson’s big upfront payday isn’t enforcing the narrative of the studios that they aren’t making cash hand over fists.
According to Puck News, The Rock pocketed $50 million upfront from Amazon for his new movie “Red One,” which will be released this Holiday season. Prior to Johnson’s colossal haul, the old record was shared by Robert Downey Jr. (“Captain American” Civil War”) and Will Smith (“King Richard”).
While the Rock will probably never have to waste a second of his life working on an Academy Award acceptance speech, his movies make money. His films have grossed roughly $12.5 billion in his career. Contrast that with Tom Cruise, who has been starring in films for 40 years but only Top Gun: Maverick made north of $1.5 billion.
While Johnson has entrenched himself in successful tentpole franchises, his films aren’t guaranteed hits. “Black Adam” was a high-profile miss, as was the TV series “Young Rock.”
“Red One” will co-star Chris Evans and J.K. Simmons, so the cast is strong. While details of the plot have been few, reports indicate it could be the first of a potential franchise, reimagining holiday mythology. According to Puck News, Johnson will play the role of Callum Drift, the Commander of the E.L.F. in the film.
The actor’s strike will affect Johnson more than most, as he has a slew of projects coming up, inching the live-action adaptation of Disney’s “Moana,’ the sequel to “Red Notice, and a spin=off of Fast & Furious.”
Add comment