A24
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The Rock’s mid-career pivot into legitimately dramatic movies seems to be showing no signs of slowing down, as reports indicate the movie star as signed on to star in a psychological thriller for A24. A24 is the studio releasing The Rock’s latest film, the sports drama The Smashing Machine, which is directed by Benny Safdie and is generating Oscar buzz.
According to reports, The Rock is set to star in Breakthrough from writer Zeke Goodman, with the film being described as a “psychological thriller,” a genre that Dwayne Johnson has never featured in before.
The Rock will next be seen starring as Mark Kerr in the A24 biopic The Smashing Machine, which will be released in movie theaters in the United States on Friday, October 3.
“Set in turn-of-the-millennium Southern California, the story follows an alienated young man who comes under the influence of a motivational guru, whose intoxicating charm masks his morally questionable methods of manipulation and his own concealed darkness. We’re told Johnson will play the supporting role of the guru, with casting still underway for the lead role and other supporting parts.” [via Deadline]
At this time, no director has been attached to the film.
In addition to this duo of A24 projects, recent reports have also indicated that The Rock is set to team with the legendary Martin Scorsese for a The Departed-esque crime drama set in Hawaii alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt (who also stars in The Smashing Machine).
Alongside The Rock, The Smashing Machine also stars Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s then-girlfriend. Blunt and The Rock first starred together in the Disney film Jungle Cruise and have clearly remained close ever since. Additional cast members include former UFC fighters Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk.