There’s no denying that he’s still one of the most popular stars on the face of the planet, but doubts are beginning to grow over Dwayne Johnson‘s sustained viability as a bankable box office draw following a number of recent developments.
DC League of Super-Pets and Black Adam both bombing within months of each other was arguably the biggest professional setback of his career, especially when he’d spent so long talking them both up as prospective franchise-starters, only for James Gunn to laugh at the mere suggestion when he was named co-head of DC Studios.
As a result, The Rock’s surprising return to Fast & Furious – which came after he made it clear in no uncertain terms he wasn’t interested in a comeback – led many to believe he’d gone back on his word to secure a surefire hit. There’s also the Moana remake, which sparked a conspiracy theory of its own that the actor and producer was the number one driving force behind the project for the exact same reasons.
Even the small screen hasn’t proven to be a safe haven for Johnson, either, with Young Rock getting canceled after three seasons. Away from film and television, his Teremana tequila might be faring exceedingly well after shipping a million cases already, but the sentiment can’t be applied to revived football league the XFL.
An article from Forbes outlines that the outfit posted a $60 million loss in its first season, which is at least less than predecessor and former boss Vince McMahon suffered when he tried and failed to launch it twice. He has at least made it further by getting to the end of the opening year, but it remains to be seen if it proves sustainable in the long run.