Dwayne Johnson upcoming movies with Emily Blunt have generated significant interest as the Hollywood superstars prepare to appear together in two major projects: a Mark Kerr biopic directed by Benny Safdie and a 1970s Hawaii-set crime film helmed by Martin Scorsese. These new films mark a striking shift in both actors‘ careers and signal a move toward more ambitious, high-quality storytelling.
Proven Stars Set for Significant Collaborations
Dwayne Johnson has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most dependable box office draws. His body of work as a leading man has brought in more than $6 billion worldwide, earning him the title of the 14th highest-grossing actor ever. On the other hand, Emily Blunt stands out for her versatile performances, moving easily between blockbuster hits like “Edge of Tomorrow” and critical darlings such as “Oppenheimer,” which landed her an Academy Award nomination and featured the direction of Christopher Nolan.
The pair first shared the screen in “Jungle Cruise,” inspired by a Disney theme park attraction. That film leaned into comedic and supernatural elements with a broad ensemble cast, including Jesse Plemons, Paul Giamatti, Jack Whitehall, Edgar Ramírez, and Dani Rovira. Despite reaching $220 million in ticket sales, the film’s hefty $200 million budget and substantial marketing costs left its financial success in question. Conversation about a “Jungle Cruise 2” continues, but Johnson and Blunt’s attention has shifted to even more promising new ventures.
Inside the Duo’s Next Big Projects
The first of their upcoming outings is “The Smashing Machine,” produced by A24. Johnson will transform into Mark Kerr, the legendary UFC fighter whose turbulent life inspired the 2002 HBO documentary
“The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.”
Emily Blunt stars as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s ex-wife, providing a strong emotional counterpart. The supporting cast includes Marcus Aurelio, Ryan Bader, Oleksandr Usyk, Paul Cheng, and Ismail Elfallahi. Benny Safdie, known for his work alongside brother Josh Safdie, steps into solo directorial territory with this film, slated to debut on October 3, 2025.
By diving into the world of mixed martial arts, “The Smashing Machine” lays the groundwork for an intense exploration of personal struggles and athletic glory. Safdie’s vision, honed through films like “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems,” aims to create a more serious and intricate vehicle for Johnson, calling back to his own beginnings as a wrestler. This role offers Johnson a unique stage to showcase both physical prowess and dramatic authenticity.
The second project sees Johnson and Blunt working alongside legendary director Martin Scorsese. This untitled historical crime drama is set in 1970s Hawaii and revolves around a local crime boss fighting to protect his ancestral land. The story draws inspiration from Wilford “Nappy” Pulawa’s real-life journey. Johnson is set to embody the lead, with Blunt playing a pivotal role. Renowned actor Leonardo DiCaprio, a frequent Scorsese collaborator, is also set to star. Both Johnson and Blunt are producing the film, bringing additional depth to their involvement.
Directorial Talent Adds Prestige
Both upcoming films stand out thanks to their accomplished directors. Benny Safdie’s foray into solo directing after splitting from his brother Josh carries much anticipation, especially given the Safdie brothers’ distinctive touch in their acclaimed previous work. This new direction will also allow Johnson to revisit the roots of his fame by referencing his background in wrestling, but with a mature, dramatic edge.
Safdie’s shift to solo filmmaking, demonstrated through “The Smashing Machine,” points to a commitment to high-caliber storytelling rather than simply chasing commercial success. Similarly, Scorsese’s Hawaii-set crime epic represents a milestone for Johnson and Blunt. Working with the Oscar-winning filmmaker marks a first for both actors and signifies a possible turning point in their careers. For Johnson and Blunt, collaborating with Scorsese connects them with decades of cinematic excellence, as seen in works like “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Even at 82, Scorsese’s creative drive remains strong, promising that his next film could be another critical triumph.
Blunt and Johnson’s previous on-screen chemistry in “Jungle Cruise” set a high bar, but the forthcoming projects are shaping up to be more original and artistically ambitious than any sequel could offer. Both films invite the actors to step beyond the confines of established franchises and open the door to new stories, working hand-in-hand with acclaimed filmmakers.
Johnson Embraces Dramatic Roles in Career Shift
The decision to focus on these kinds of projects marks a considerable departure for Dwayne Johnson. Historically, his filmography leaned toward action and comedy, but recent choices signal that Johnson is seeking more complex, emotionally charged roles. “The Smashing Machine” has already generated buzz as a dramatic opportunity, with a tone that differs sharply from his typically lighthearted performances. In the film’s early trailer, Johnson delivers an intensity that has rarely been seen from him before.
Johnson’s collaboration with A24 extends even further. After “The Smashing Machine,” he is expected to appear in “Breakthrough,” a thriller centered on a man drawn into the world of a charismatic self-improvement guru. The project will be helmed by Darren Aronofsky, known for “The Whale.” With directors like Safdie, Scorsese, and Aronofsky overseeing his work, Johnson’s latest choices suggest a purposeful pivot toward a more prestigious and varied career.
The Future of Jungle Cruise 2 Remains Uncertain
Although “Jungle Cruise 2” was at one point confirmed by its producer, its status is now uncertain due to the slow pace of development. Dwayne Johnson commented on the sequel last year, expressing that he might be interested in revisiting the project “down the line” but was non-committal about its prospects. Blunt and Johnson’s increasingly busy schedules, with high-profile films and production roles on the horizon, make it even less likely that a sequel will arrive soon. Should Johnson lean further into dramatic roles, the Disney franchise could remain on the back burner for an extended period.
While fans enjoyed the dynamic between Johnson and Blunt in “Jungle Cruise,” their evolving careers and current film choices seem to indicate that their attention is now firmly fixed on more serious work. The possibility of a sequel has not been fully ruled out, but with these two major new projects underway, “Jungle Cruise 2” is unlikely to take priority in the foreseeable future.
What This Means for Hollywood and Their Careers
The collaboration between Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt on such high-profile, ambitious films comes at a pivotal moment in both of their careers. For Johnson, the transition suggests a quest for depth and recognition as a dramatic actor, a departure from the action-packed and comedic performances for which he is widely known. Blunt, already recognized for versatility, continues to leverage her talent in roles that span multiple genres, from blockbusters to acclaimed dramas.
Ultimately, their work with directors like Benny Safdie and Martin Scorsese, as well as their ongoing involvement in producing roles, may set a new standard for actors seeking both critical and commercial success. Hollywood stands to benefit from such shifts in focus, as these projects promise to bring together top-tier talent and storytelling, delivering original stories for audiences hungry for something beyond sequels and formulaic offerings.
