Dwayne Johnson is set to produce a feature film adaptation of “Ripped,” a short story by Joe Ballarini, teaming up with Disney under the Seven Bucks Productions first-look agreement. The rights to bring “Ripped” to the big screen have been secured by 20th Century Studios, with Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia producing alongside Scott Glassgold from 12:01. This marks a significant move in the collaboration between Johnson’s production company and The Walt Disney Company, opening the door to fresh, high-concept projects poised to engage audiences.
While Dwayne Johnson is at the forefront as a producer, he is not currently attached to star in the film, and at this stage, no casting announcements have been made. The official description reveals that “Ripped” centers on an insecure man preparing for his wedding, who enters a hardcore underground training facility run by a charismatic fitness guru. The guru demands absolute devotion from trainees, offering the promise of peak performance at any price. The story hints at a creative shift into the horror genre, signaling a fresh direction that could surprise Johnson’s fans and moviegoers alike.
“Ripped” is not just another fitness-themed film, as its horror element is rooted in Joe Ballarini’s deal with Simon & Schuster/Atria’s 12:01 Books, which is expanding the story into a full-length novel. 12:01 Books, launched this year as a horror-focused imprint, seeks to nurture and publish creator-driven intellectual property. Ballarini himself is no stranger to adaptation success; his trilogy,
was previously adapted into a Netflix film, highlighting his experience in navigating stories from page to screen.
The partnership between Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Disney reflects a commitment to developing diverse entertainment. Last June, Seven Bucks Productions and The Walt Disney Corporation established a multi-year agreement granting Disney a first-look opportunity at Johnson’s future ventures, ranging from live-action to animation. On social media, Johnson commented about his vision for the partnership:
“Ripped” forms part of a broader slate from Seven Bucks under its Disney pact. Another highly anticipated project is a Hawaii-based crime drama set to explore the rise of a powerful mob boss. This high-profile film will unite Johnson with Emily Blunt and Leonardo DiCaprio as stars, under Martin Scorsese’s direction, with production anticipated to commence later this year. While this separate project awaits a release date, it further demonstrates the ambitious scope of Johnson’s ongoing collaboration with Disney.
The decision by Dwayne Johnson to produce “Ripped” underscores his growing influence as both a producer and creative leader in Hollywood. By venturing into horror and forming high-profile partnerships, Johnson positions himself at the crossroads of innovation and commercial appeal in the film industry. As details emerge about casting and the film’s unique blend of genres, industry observers and fans alike will be watching closely, anticipating both the impact of Johnson’s involvement and the promise of a new kind of story on the Disney slate.
