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Tag: Dwayne Johnson

  • Moana 2: You paid for it; feel free to sing in the cinema – The Rock

    Moana 2: You paid for it; feel free to sing in the cinema – The Rock

    Dwayne Johnson has encouraged fans to feel free to sing along in cinemas, speaking at the UK premiere of Moana 2.

    “Especially if you love music, that’s the fun part,” the US actor, also known as The Rock, told BBC News on the red carpet.

    Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho are reprising their roles as the voices of Maui and Moana, respectively, in this sequel to the 2016 musical adventure.

    The topic of singing in cinemas has recently sparked debate on social media, following the release of Wicked a few days ago.

    While some argue that fans should be free to express their enjoyment, others believe singing disrupts the viewing experience for others. Johnson, however, left no doubt about his stance on the matter, supporting a lively cinema atmosphere.
    “Sing! You’ve paid your hard earned money for a ticket, and you’ve gone into a musical, and you’re into it. Sing,” he said.

    The original Moana introduced audiences to a spirited Polynesian teenager on a daring ocean voyage to save her community.

    Now, in Moana 2, Disney brings Moana and Maui back together for a thrilling new journey, set three years after their first adventure. This time, the duo is joined by a group of “unlikely seafarers,” promising a fresh and exciting chapter on the high seas.

    London’s Leicester Square turned into a vibrant Polynesian paradise on Sunday evening to celebrate the film’s UK premiere. The area was transformed with palm trees, a sandy beach, and traditional dancers, creating a festive atmosphere despite the chilly weather. Enthusiastic fans braved the cold to catch a glimpse of Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson.

    Cravalho, who debuted as Moana at just 16, has since showcased her talent in projects like the 2024 Mean Girls film and live theatre performances.

    Despite her growing career, she shared her delight about returning to the beloved role, saying she was “so excited” to bring Moana’s story to life once more.

    “I think Moana is at the forefront of a conversation where the word princess and the word hero are now interchangeable,” she told BBC News.

    “She is strong, she is brave, and she is not afraid to grab a demigod by the ear. She looks strong as well, at the helm of her ship.”

    Getty Images Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson posing for photos with fans
    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson posed for photos with fans

  • First full-length trailer for Moana 2 released

    First full-length trailer for Moana 2 released

    Dwayne Johnson has announced, “It’s time to set sail,” with the release of the first full-length trailer for Moana 2.

    The film is a sequel to the 2016 hit Moana, which followed the adventurous Polynesian teenage girl on a daring mission across the ocean to save her people.

    Following the trailer’s release, some fans expressed excitement for Moana 2, while others questioned the necessity of a sequel.

    Auli’i Cravalho and Johnson will reprise their roles as the voices of Moana and Maui, respectively.

    The new trailer reveals little about the plot, though Disney has previously provided a rough outline of the story.

    “After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced,” the company revealed.

    The new animated musical will take audiences “on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers”, it added.

    The unlikely seafarers, Moana’s rooster Heihei and pet pig Pua, also make an appearance in the trailer.

    As Maui holds one in each hand, he jokes to Moana about looking forward to making “bacon and eggs” on the voyage.

    Disney hopes the film will appeal to both nostalgic fans and a new generation of children.

  • Will Smith, Dwayne Johnson, Justin Timberlake show love to Jamie Foxx

    Will Smith, Dwayne Johnson, Justin Timberlake show love to Jamie Foxx

    Hollywood stars Dwayne Johnson, Will Smith, Justin Timberlake, and numerous other friends and admirers of Jamie Foxx are sending their heartfelt love and support to the Oscar winner after he shared a video update with his Instagram followers on Saturday.

    The 55-year-old actor suffered a medical complication on April 11 while filming the movie Back in Action in Atlanta. On Saturday, he spoke openly about his health scare for the first time in a video clip shared on Instagram, expressing his gratitude for the prayers and support from his fans.

    Foxx stated, “I cannot even begin to tell you how far it took me and how it brought me back,” reflecting on the immense impact of the fan support he received.

    Alongside the thousands of supportive messages from fans, many of Foxx’s A-list friends and colleagues also rushed to show their unwavering support in the comments section of the video. Justin Timberlake wrote, “Love you, Foxx!!! 🙌🏻,” and Michael B. Jordan expressed a similar sentiment, saying, “I love you brother!!”

    Others like Smith, 54, shared longer notes in the video’s comment section. “Awww Man,” the fellow Academy Award champ penned. “Who’s cuttin’ onions?? Love U Foxx!! Your Light Is Needed ‘n Appreciated Right Now!”

    In the clip, Foxx explained that he knows “a lot of people” were “waiting” for updates about his condition, but said that “to be honest with you, I just didn’t want you to see me like that.”

    Below are some reactions from some celebrities in the movie industry

  • Dwayne Johnson, “The Rock” rejoins fast and furious cast after resolved feud with Vin Diesel

    Dwayne Johnson, “The Rock” rejoins fast and furious cast after resolved feud with Vin Diesel


    Dwayne Johnson, widely known as The Rock and a former WWE champion, has made a return to the Fast and Furious franchise following the resolution of a rumored feud with co-star Vin Diesel.

    Johnson, who gained immense popularity in the entertainment industry, successfully transitioned from his wrestling career to becoming a Hollywood star. His portrayal of the character Luke Hobbs in the Fast and Furious series contributed significantly to his acting success.

    However, Johnson distanced himself from the franchise for a period of time due to a reported feud with Vin Diesel. Fortunately, the two have now resolved their differences, leading to Johnson reuniting with his former colleagues.

    It’s worth noting that Johnson has agreed to a condition set by Vin Diesel, which he had previously declined four years ago.

    Dwayne Johnson’s last appearance in the Fast and Furious franchise was in Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw, followed by a cameo in Fast X.

    Although the movie was well-received by fans, it faced criticism for its lack of connection to the original Fast and Furious series, which left fans dissatisfied.

    According to a report from Essentiallysports.com, the reason for this disconnection was Johnson’s disagreement with a condition set by Vin Diesel.

    Diesel insisted that the Hobbs and Shaw spin-off be linked to the main Fast and Furious Universe. However, due to their ongoing feud, Johnson declined the offer.

    Fortunately, the upcoming Fast and Furious spin-off aims to rectify this issue by serving as a bridge between Fast X and the highly anticipated Fast 11.

    This approach will allow fans to feel more connected to the film series and may even pave the way for Dwayne Johnson’s appearance in Fast 11.

    Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel first shared the big screen together in 2011. However, a minor conflict between them in 2016 quickly escalated into a major Hollywood drama.

    As a result, Johnson distanced himself from subsequent Fast and Furious installments, fueling the feud with Diesel.

    Fortunately, the beef between Johnson and Diesel has now been resolved, and Johnson is now ready to star in another Fast and Furious spin-off alongside Vin Diesel.

    Fans of the franchise are eagerly anticipating Dwayne Johnson’s return and are excited for the new chapter in the Fast and Furious saga.

  • Dwayne Johnson tells fans not to expect Black Adam in ‘First Chapter’ of new DC Universe

    Black Adam fans will have to remain patient while waiting for a sequel to the Dwayne Johnson-starring DC film.

    The Rock took to Twitter on Tuesday to update fans on the future of Black Adam in light of DC Studios’ recent leadership change. In November, Warner Bros. announced that DC Studios will be led by filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran.

    “My passionate friends, I wanted to give you a long-awaited Black Adam update regarding the character’s future in the new DC Universe,” Johnson wrote in a statement. “James Gunn and I connected, and Black Adam will not be in their first chapter of storytelling. However, DC and Seven Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam can be utilized in future DC multiverse chapters.”

    “James and I have known each other for years and have always rooted for each other to succeed,” he continued. “It’s no different now, and I will always root for DC (and Marvel) to win and WIN BIG. You guys know me, and I have very thick skin—and you can always count on me to be direct with my words. These decisions made by James and DC leadership represent their vision of DCU through their creative lens.”

    Gunn quote-tweeted Johnson’s post, adding, “Love @TheRock & I’m always excited to see what he & Seven Bucks do next. Can’t wait to collaborate soon.”

    Johnson’s remarks come on the heels of rumors that the Rock had unfollowed both Warner Bros. and the Black Adam social media accounts. Johnson shut down the rumors in a tweet over the weekend.

    “100% not true,” he wrote. “Never followed either account on IG.”

    Earlier this month, Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins and Superman star Henry Cavill both stepped back from their respective franchises amid the DC Studios shakeup.

    Last week, Jenkins hopped on Twitter to clarify reports that she was pushed out of the Wonder Woman franchise. “This is simply not true,” she wrote. “I never walked away. I was open to considering anything asked of me. It was my understanding there was nothing I could do to move anything forward at this time. DC is obviously buried in changes they are having to make, so I understand these decisions are difficult right now. I do not want what has been a beautiful journey with WW to land on negative note. I have loved and been so honored to be the person who got to make these last two Wonder Woman films.”

    Meanwhile, in a statement on Instagram last Wednesday, Cavill announced he will not remain in the DCEU to play Superman—though Black Adam and its aftermath gave fans direct reason to expect his return.

    “I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone,” Cavill wrote. “I will, after all, not be returning as Superman. After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • Dwayne ‘the rock’ Johnson buys all Snickers bar at Hawaii 7-Eleven to “right the wrongs” of his childhood

    This week, Dwayne Johnson made an unexpected appearance at a Hawaii 7-Eleven. But he wasn’t there to get a quick drink; he was there to make amends for his childhood sins.

    If the Rock casually walking into a 7-Eleven wasn’t strange enough, things got even stranger when the superstar presented hundreds of Snickers bars at the counter.

    It turns out that the Rock didn’t buy all that candy because he loves snickers, but instead because he wanted to right his wrongdoings as a teenager when he was a local resident of the Island. The”Black Adam” actor revealed that he used to steal a Snickers bar every day when he was 14 before his gym sessions and use them as pre-workout.

    His family was “broke as hell”, hence why he couldn’t muster up enough change buy the sweet treat. “I finally exorcised this damn chocolate demon that’s been gnawing at me for decades”, said a relieved Rock on his Instagram.

     

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    A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)

    I finally exorcised this damn chocolate demon that’s been gnawing at me for decades

    Luckily the clerk of the store saw the funny side, despite having to count the huge pile of chocolate bars presented to him by the actor. Johnson also paid for all the food and drinks of those customers that were in the store at the time.

    The gesture certainly makes up for the Rock’s bad teenage habits. “We can’t change the past and some of the dumb stuff we may have done, but every once in a while, we can add a little redeeming grace note to that situation – and maybe put a big smile on some stranger’s faces”, he said.

     

  • ‘Black Adam’star Bodhi Sabongui talks working with Dwayne Johnson and learning not to care about critics

    Meet Bodhi Sabongui.

    After roles in The Baby-Sitters Club, A Million Little Things, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, the 14-year-old actor is currently starring in the No. 1 movie in the country, Black Adam, alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

    In the film, he plays Amon Tomaz who lives in Kahndaq and is the son of a university professor named Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi). In the DC comics, Amon was enslaved at a young age and Adrianna was his sister, and Black Adam grants him a portion of his power, and he becomes the hero Osiris.

    In the movie, Amon helps his mom in her mission to free Kahndaq, Black Adam’s home country, which is located in the Middle East from a criminal organization named Intergang. Bodhi, whose father is Egyptian, recognizes the huge responsibility he had with this role to represent younger fans and his community.

    “It’s still rare to see an Arabic protagonist, especially in superhero movies,” Sabongui tells Complex over the phone. “A big part of Black Adam and why I’m so excited about it is that even though I’m not a superhero, I still get this opportunity to paint Middle Eastern and North African people in this positive light, which isn’t something that I saw so much growing up.”

    The concept of representation was also a big driver behind Johnson’s decision to take on this role. The news that he would be playing a superhero for the first time surfaced 15 years ago, a year before Sabongui was born. The young actor now plays an integral role in the film since Amon is the one who convinces Black Adam to use his powers for good. After Sabongui’s initial excitement to be working with Johnson, he realized there was also a lot to learn from him as an actor and as a person.

    “His mentality when making a movie is to always put the audience first, which I picked up on. He’s not thinking about the studio or the critics or anything. He’s just like, ‘So when the audience sees this, are they going to like that? Are they going to laugh at that?’” Sabongui says.

    “He’s truly making movies for the people and it’s never coming from a place of ego or selfishness from him, and he’s doing what’s going to make people happy. And I think that is just honestly a great mentality to have when you’re the biggest movie star in the world.”

    This new wave of Hollywood stars seems to have one thing in common—they’re not trying to be boxed in. After starring in a film that brought in $140 million globally at the box office opening weekend, Sabongui still has his sights set on excelling as an athlete in school and attending college.


    “I still do love acting and I do want to keep going down this path for sure,” he says. “But there are also things I want to do outside of it that interest me as well.”

    Complex caught up with the actor after the movie’s release to talk all about his experience filming, learning how to skateboard on set and what it was like working with Dwayne Johnson. Black Adam is now in theaters.

    Source: Complex.com

  • ‘Black Adam’ opens with $67 million marking Dwayne Johnson’s biggest box office opening

    Dwayne Johnson’s latest film, Black Adam has landed him his biggest domestic box office opening in a leading role, Deadline reports .

    The DC superhero movie earned $67 million in its U.S. debut and $140 million globally, surpassing the opening for Johnson’s 2019 film Hobbs & Shaw, which earned $60 million during its launch.

    From the jump, Johnson has been open about what a passion project Black Adam has been for him.

    “I grew up a Superman [fan], and DC! But when I saw my first Black Adam comic, he was badass, he was cool,” Johnson told Complex at the film’s New York City premiere last week. “He had brown skin, so I identified with him. And I thought, ‘I want to be that guy!’ So that’s why I’ve been pushing for this movie for so long, for so many years.”

    Johnson continued, “Hopefully, with Black Adam, little Black and little Brown boys, little boys of color and little girls of color, all kids, will look at Black Adam and the [Justice Society of America] and the cast and the color and the diversity that we have in our cast and crew, and go, ‘I can be that!’”

    Despite its strong showing at the box office, reviews for the film have been decidedly mixed. Overall, audiences gave Black Adam a B+ on CinemaScore and 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.

    The film was directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and introduces a new team of DC heroes called the Justice Society of America, which sees Aldis Hodge as Hawkman, Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, and Pierce Brosnan as Dr. Fate.

    So while this was Johnson’s first real foray in the world of comic book movies, its robust opening weekend ensures that it won’t be his last.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Early Reactions to Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Black Adam’ are in

    After years of anticipation, DC’s Black Adam is imminent.

    The Jaume Collet-Serra-directed film had its world premiere Wednesday night, and critics were quick to share their first thoughts. Starring Dwayne Johnson as the titular antihero, Black Adam tells the origin story of Teth-Adam—an ancient Egyptian slave who is bestowed with the powers of gods. The character initially uses his super strength to fight injustice, and the death of his family leads him down a road of vengeance. The Justice Society of America, a team of superheroes, set out on a mission to stop Black Adam’s rampage and bring him into the fold.

    The film co-stars Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate, Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, and Aldis Hodge as Hawkman.

    Johnson was reportedly in talks to star in Black Adam since 2007, but experienced multiple setbacks and delays. According to Screen Rant, the success of 2013’s Man of Steel is what revived the talks with the Rock, with the initial plan of him appearing in Shazam! It wasn’t until 2017 that the studio confirmed it was working on a standalone flick.

    Black Adam has become one of the DCEU’s most-anticipated projects, with expectations set high. On Wednesday night, Twitter was flooded with mixed reactions describing the final product as everything from “epic” and “adrenaline fueled” to “messy” and just flat-out “bad.”

    You can read some of the early reactions below. Black Adam will hit U.S. theaters on Oct. 21.

    Source: Complex.com