Dwayne Johnson wasn’t bluffing when he said he was ready to leave the CGI noise behind and pivot toward meatier roles. At the time, plenty scoffed — The Rock doing drama? Sure, okay. But a year later, the evidence is stacking up.
Johnson, who already lined up projects with Benny Safdie and Martin Scorsese, has now added Darren Aronofsky to his arsenal.
Aronofsky and Johnson are set to reteam with A24 for “Breakthrough,” a psychological thriller penned by up-and-comer Zeke Goodman. Johnson is locked to co-star — not lead — which already feels like a notable shift in how he’s positioning himself these days.
Set in early-2000s Southern California, “Breakthrough” follows a disaffected young man who falls under the spell of a seductive, manipulative self-help guru — that’s Johnson’s role, a rare supporting turn. Casting is still underway for the lead, but this one’s shaping up to be another intriguing detour in Johnson’s post-blockbuster recalibration.
At 52, Johnson seems dead set on shedding the invincible-hero mold. His biggest Achilles’ heel has always been his script choices: he’s undeniably charismatic, but for years he’s coasted through high-concept schlock that rarely demanded more than raised eyebrows and a flexed bicep. Teaming with Safdie, Scorsese, and Aronofsky might break that mold.
Meanwhile, Aronofsky has “Caught Stealing” coming out in late August, an A24-backed Elon Musk biopic in the works, and Netflix’s “Cujo.” The latter might actually be the next thing he tackles.
Aronofsky is a worthy filmmaker in my books, purely for having directed three great films — “The Wrestler,” “Black Swan,” and “Requiem for a Dream.” He’s been hot and cold his entire career, but when he hits the bullseye, it’s with a bang.
As expected, Snyder's latest is being torn apart by TIFF attendees. No mercy given. The film, which had its world premiere this evening, is being called by some one of the worst movies to ever premiere at the festival.