Sunday, February 16, 2025

Why Dwayne Johnson Must Return to R-Rated Action Movies After 15 Years Away from Gritty Roles!

It’s been 15 years since Dwayne Johnson‘s last old-fashioned R-rated action movie, “Faster,” and this is a part of his career he should return to. Johnson’s action films have largely been successful over the past decade, with 2011’s “Fast Five” finally giving the WWE superstar his movie breakthrough. However, when Johnson first started headlining films in the early 2000s, he was viewed as a natural successor to action legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. Unfortunately, titles like “Doom” didn’t exactly ignite the box office. Following his breakthrough with “Fast Five,” Johnson has mostly avoided overtly violent projects, opting instead for family-friendly franchises like “Jumanji” and “Moana.” This strategy has proven lucrative, but he has faced criticism for the repetitive and bland nature of some of his films. After a solid decade of formula-driven projects, Johnson is due for a return to his roots.

The movie “Faster,” released in 2010, features Dwayne Johnson alongside a talented lineup of co-stars. Some of the actors in this film have made notable appearances in other projects, adding to the film’s overall appeal. Johnson was famously passed over for the role of Jack Reacher in the 2012 film adaptation, which was disappointing given that he believed he was perfectly cast for the role of the hulking avenger. It can be argued that “Faster” was Johnson’s own take on Reacher, providing him a gritty character to embody; he plays a near-mute ex-con who methodically takes down the gang that murdered his brother. Although “Faster” grossed $35 million, according to The Numbers, it was met with a lukewarm reception, earning a mere 41% on Rotten Tomatoes. This film still remains Johnson’s last authentic attempt at leading an R-rated action film, placing him at a pivotal point in his career.

Prior to “Faster,” none of Johnson’s previous action roles, like “Walking Tall,” had truly resonated, and most of his work had leaned toward kid-friendly fare such as “The Game Plan.” “Faster” represented an effort to redefine his screen image, inspired by the gritty thrillers that emerged during the 1970s and 1980s. Over the years, the film has garnered a cult following, yet it failed to enhance Johnson’s bankability at the time. The year following “Faster,” Johnson took on the role of Hobbs in “Fast Five,” dramatically shifting the trajectory of his career. He had finally discovered his on-screen persona and began to star in a string of blockbuster hits.

It is important to note that the landscape of action stars has evolved significantly since the glory days of figures like Schwarzenegger, as high-concept blockbusters of the past have transitioned into more PG-13 oriented fare. Johnson found his niche within this model, starring in hit films like “San Andreas,” “Rampage,” and many more. Throughout the last decade, he has established himself as a brand in Hollywood, working diligently to cultivate this image. In a revealing 2018 Rolling Stone profile, Johnson discussed how he influenced the ending of “Rampage,” advocating against the death of the movie’s giant gorilla, George. He emphasized his deep connection with his audience, who expect to enjoy his films and have a good time. Johnson remarked, “My problem is I have a relationship with an audience around the world. For years I’ve built a trust with them that they’re gonna come to my movies and feel good.” He made it clear that if the production team could not align with his vision, he would not participate.

This formula has been commercially successful, albeit not universally celebrated among critics. While “Faster” remains Johnson’s most recent R-rated action project, he has dipped his toes into other R-rated territories with films like Michael Bay’s crime drama “Pain & Gain” and the “Baywatch” remake. After accepting a Razzie award for the latter, Johnson candidly admitted that the film didn’t succeed and has since largely avoided R-rated projects. Although “Faster” is not considered a hidden classic, it is indeed one of his most overlooked films; showcasing one of his darkest performances, where he dialed down his natural charisma to portray a character driven by vengeance. He hasn’t returned to that level of intensity in recent years, and after so many branded PG-13 ventures such as “Red Notice” and “Red One,” it’s high time Dwayne Johnson changes the script.

The good news is that Johnson is set to step back into more adult-oriented roles with his upcoming A24 biopic, “The Smashing Machine.” This film chronicles the life of MMA legend Mark Kerr and is expected to highlight Johnson’s most dramatic performance in years. The buzz surrounding the film suggests that Johnson is prepared to break from the mold that has served him well, paving the way for a possible return to the gritty world of R-rated action films. It would certainly be refreshing to see him embrace projects like “Faster” again, allowing him to showcase both his action prowess and acting capabilities in films tailored for a more mature audience.

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