Dwayne Johnson – A Walk With The Mouse

Dwayne Johnson Axed From Disney Franchise Amid $3 Billion Lawsuit

Posted on May 5, 2023May 5, 2023 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Actor Dwayne Johnson is out of a popular Disney franchise, recent reports indicate.

Dwayne The Rock Johnson has become one of the most recognizable figures in all of Hollywood. He has starred in countless blockbusters, including Disney’s Jungle Cruise (2021), the Fast & Furious franchise, Jumanji (2017), San Andreas (2015), Gridiron Gang (2006), and The Scorpion King (2002).

Recently, The Rock was pegged to return to his role as Maui in a live-action adaptation of the movie Moana (2016), in which he’d star alongside the original voice of the Disney princess, Auli’i Cravalho. The announcement of the movie was met with mixed reviews, as many fans said they were tired of live-action remakes and that Disney had “become lazy” in its quest for storytelling, relying on remakes of its same films instead of coming up with new ones. Nevertheless, Dwayne Johnson made the announcement alongside The Walt Disney Company CEO, Bob Iger, during the company’s annual shareholder’s meeting last month.

However, things have not necessarily been going Johnson’s way as of late.

Dwayne Johnson starred in the Warner Bros. DC Universe film Black Adam (2022) last fall. The movie, which was hyped for months, was a colossal failure at the box office, and as James Gunn moved into the role as the new headman of DC Universe, The Rock’s big sequel was subsequently canceled.

If that weren’t enough, Dwayne Johnson was named a defendant in a $3 billion lawsuit alleging kidnapping that just moved forward in the judicial system. The Rock, alongside many other defendants, is being sued by Trenesha Biggers, also known as Rhaka Khan, during her former TNA and WWE days, alleging that she and her kids were kidnapped.

With all of this surrounding Dwayne Johnson, a new report has now indicated that the actor will not be joining the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise after all. Essentially Sports reports that Johnson will not replace Johnny Depp in the next installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Though this has yet to be confirmed by Disney or Dwayne Johnson, it would make sense, and neither party has indicated if this is a result of the lawsuit.

Of course, this brings many fans to wonder: Is Johnny Depp set to return to Disney after all?

Johnny Depp as a confused Jack Sparrow in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise

While nothing has been confirmed, there still seems to be not much enthusiasm about Johnny Depp and Disney reuniting. It’s not to say that the two parties couldn’t put aside their differences to make another installment of the franchise, but unfortunately, it seems that they are at a wide impasse– at least for the time being– and might be quite a while before Johnny Depp is welcomed back to Hollywood.

Other defendants in the Dwayne Johnson lawsuit include The State of Texas, The El Paso Child Protective Services, The Las Cruces, New Mexico Police Department, The NYPD, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, New York ACS, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Shirley Police Department, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Suffolk County NY, Bank of America, Home Depot, and even the FBI.

Most likely, this is not a result of the lawsuit and more a byproduct of Dwayne Johnson already starring in many other Disney projects already. With Johnson still set to star in the live-action Moana and Disney likely calling his number again for a Jungle Cruise sequel— if that movie is ever made– it would make sense not to utilize the actor in another movie, especially with a role that will be so volatile and could result in major fan backlash.

As far as wrestling is concerned, Johnson has been rumored to make a return to the ring, much like John Cena. He has teased a potential match against his cousin– and also WWE Champion– Roman Reigns. For now, however, we’ll have to wait and see what might happen with the celebrity.

Dwayne Johnson Will Replace Johnny Depp in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Film, Reports Say

Posted on June 1, 2022June 1, 2022 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

There are few actors who have reached the level of success that has been seen by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Johnson, who got his full-length feature film beginning in Universal Pictures’ The Mummy Returns (2001) and the subsequent spinoff The Scorpion King (2002) after a successful career as a professional wrestler in the WWE, has become a household name. He is a beloved icon who has transcended into one of the most popular actors in the world.

Now, it seems that the actor may be eyed for another key role in the world of Disney.

Johnny Depp, who plays the beloved role of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, is still in the midst of a court trial with ex-wife Amber Heard. The Walt Disney Company reportedly turned its back on their beloved Captain Jack Sparrow before Johnny Depp could publicly defend his name and Heard’s Op-Ed with The Sun also cost Depp his role in The Fantastic Beasts franchise as Gellert Grindelwald to Mads Mikkelsen.

As the ongoing trial has unfolded, many fans have come to the defense of Johnny Depp, sharing their support for the actor, who also starred in several other blockbuster films including Public Enemies (2009), Willy Wonka (2005), Ed Wood (1994), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and many others.

"PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES"

Despite many fans coming to his defense, Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer officially confirmed this week that a script is being developed with Margot Robbie taking over the lead role. When asked if Captain Jack Sparrow– Johnny Depp’s beloved character– could make a return, he said that there were no plans in the works currently.

Now, a report from Giant Freakin’ Robot indicates that Depp may never return in the role and, instead, Dwayne Johnson may be eyed for the next leading role in a Pirates of the Caribbean spinoff.

The report reads:

“It has already been announced by Jerry Bruckheimer that two spinoffs are in the works. One will see Margot Robbie take the lead of the franchise. The other is currently a mystery for now. However, based on our trusted and proven source, we can report that a third spinoff is in the works. This third Pirates spinoff will star Dwayne Johnson.”

It doesn’t seem that Johnson would play the role of Captain Jack Sparrow, but rather would be a different character introduced in the franchise, similar to what will be seen with Margot Robbie’s spinoff film. It’s unclear if both Johnson and Robbie could star together in the film, but it could make for an interesting dynamic. Both Johnson (Black Adam) and Robbie (Harley Quinn) have become stars in DC Comics movie franchises, which rival Disney’s Marvel Studios.

It’s not just a role in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise that Dwayne Johnson may be being eyed for by Disney. There are also rumors that he could replace Will Smith in an iconic role, as well.

Smith left fans and fellow actors and actresses stunned after the Oscars incident several weeks ago.

Just a matter of minutes after the incident unfolded, Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard (2021). After receiving much criticism following the event, Smith issued an apology and resigned from the Academy.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star made his Disney debut in Aladdin (2019) and the live-action blockbuster earned over $1 billion at the Hollywood box office. Though Disney has still been using content with Will Smith, it seems there might be a major change to his iconic role as Genie in the upcoming Aladdin 2project.

A rumor has recently formed that Dwayne Johnson could take over the role as Genie in the sequel. Genie, originally played by Robin Williams in the animated film, has been one of the most beloved characters in the world of Disney for 30 years.

If Johnson were to take on the role of Genie in Aladdin 2, there’s no doubt he could do an excellent job and would bring charisma and a different personality to the role.

Dwayne Johnson got his start with The Walt Disney Company when he signed on to star in the film The Gameplan (2007) alongside child star Madison Pettis. He would also star in Race to Witch Mountain (2009) just two years later before a period of almost a decade would occur without him starring in a Disney film.

Of course, he returned to Disney to be the voice of Maui in the beloved Disney Animations Studios film Moana (2018).

Disney May Replace Will Smith With Dwayne Johnson in Iconic Role

Posted on May 17, 2022May 17, 2022 by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Disney fans may see a major change to an iconic role in an upcoming movie project.

Will Smith has been one of the most recognizable actors in the business for several decades now, but he was in the limelight and the subject of much criticism after an extremely strange incident at the Oscars earlier this year that left fans and fellows actors and actresses stunned.

After Chris Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith got up from his seat and walked on stage to deliver a slap across the left jaw of Rock. He walked off stage and was visibly yelling at Rock to “keep my wife’s name out your f***in’ mouth.”

Chris Rock (left) and Will Smith (right)

Just a matter of minutes after the incident unfolded, Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard (2021). After receiving much criticism, Smith issued an apology and resigned from the Academy.

Several outlets are reporting a rumor that Dwayne Johnson could take over the role as Genie in the sequel. Genie, originally played by Robin Williams in the animated film, has been one of the most beloved characters in the world of Disney for 30 years.

Several Will Smith projects have been canceled or postponed since the incident and Disney has not provided an official update to offer any clarity on if he will remain in the role or if the rumors of a replacement could be true. At Universal Orlando, Smith is still the narrator on the beloved attraction MEN IN BLACK: Alien Attack. Since the incident at the Oscars, however, many fans have said the attraction “just isn’t the same.”

Dwayne Johnson and Emily blunt in jungle cruise

Dwayne Johnson’s most recent Disney project saw him play the role of skipper Frank Wolff in Jungle Cruise (2021). Johnson was also the voice of Maui in Moana (2016).

New Disney Parks Designer Collection Jungle Cruise Skipper Ear Hat

Posted on July 26, 2021July 26, 2021 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

The next item in the Disney Parks Designer Collection is a Jungle Cruise skipper ear hat designed by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The hat is now available on shopDisney, plus Walt Disney World guests can find it in Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom.

This ear hat is inspired by the hat Dwayne Johnson wears as Skipper Frank in “Jungle Cruise.”

The hat is a limited release and comes with a bag and certificate of verification.

Dwayne Johnson Takes To Social Media To Promote Disney’s “Behind The Attraction”

Posted on June 11, 2021June 11, 2021 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney+

A new series is coming to Disney+ on July 16 that will give us Disney fans a peek ‘behind the curtain’ of the most beloved attractions and destinations at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world, from Jungle Cruise to “it’s a small world” to the Haunted Mansion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This highly anticipated series recently received a little extra attention from Dwayne Johnson (aka “The Rock”, aka “Skipper Frank”).

As shared via therock on Instagram: “Cool series alert. Take a moment now to think about your FAVORITE RIDES when you and family visited the DISNEY PARKS around the world. From SPACE MOUNTAIN to SPLASH MOUNTAIN – from PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN to JUNGLE CRUISE – from STAR WARS all the way to ITS A SMALL WORLD and many more! Our @sevenbucksprod is partnering with @DisneyPlus and director Brian Volke-Weiss (“The Toys That Made Us”) to bring you the highly anticipated original series called BEHIND THE ATTRACTION. A fascinating behind the scenes look at how all these famous and beloved rides became famous, beloved and ICONIC DISNEY rides. And if you look closely at this poster you’ll see a certain big, brown, bald “Skipper Frank” taking his unsuspecting passengers on the ADVENTURE OF A LIFE TIME from JUNGLE CRUISE. This is gonna be a FUN SERIES for you and your families to watch! BehindTheAttraction Disney+, JULY 16t.”

“Behind the Attraction” is a 10-part series narrated by Paget Brewster that delves into Disney Parks’ rich, amazing history using archival and never-before-seen footage and photographs to unveil how the attractions came to be and how they’ve been refined over the years as new ideas surface and technology evolves. Mark July 16 on those calendars and get the popcorn ready!