Dwayne Johnson says his string of early career flops was because he shied away from a challenge: "I don't think I was ready for anything other than easy, light, family films"

News
By published

The A-list actor reflects on Tooth Fairy, Race to Witch Mountain, and more

Dwayne Johnson in Tooth Fairy
(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

Dwayne Johnson may now be known as action hero extraordinaire and, lately, as a bonafide dramatic actor thanks to his turn as MMA star Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, but it didn't always used to be that way.

On his way up in Hollywood, Johnson became attached to an unfortunate string of box office failures or family-friendly movies that were savaged by critics.

For every Southland Tales or Walking Tall there was a Race to Witch Mountain, Game Plan, or, god forbid, a Tooth Fairy – the 2010 comedy that's currently sitting at a miserly 17% on Rotten Tomatoes.

"The truth is – and I can look back on that time with real clarity these days – those days, things were a little cloudy. I loved making those movies. I also think I manifested those because I don't think I was ready for anything other than easy, light, family films that made me feel good," Johnson said.

Despite those bumps in the road, Johnson ultimately came out of his film funk thanks to his turn as Hobbs in 2011's Fast Five. From there, the parts stacked up – several Fast films, Pain and Gain, Jumanji, Moana – before becoming a household name. And to think it almost fell apart thanks to a role that was, quite literally, like pulling teeth.

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.