Dwayne Johnson, Author: Crown Publishing Nabs True-Life, Hawaii-Set Crime Book Co-Written with Nick Bilton (Exclusive)
As far as careers goes, Dwayne Johnson has built out several. Actor, athlete, entrepreneur, wrestler. Now get ready for Dwayne Johnson, true crime author.
Crown, the imprint under a division of Penguin Random House, has preemptively acquired a new true-life crime book to be co-authored by Johnson and award-winning investigative journalist Nick Bilton.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt Eyeing Hawaii-Set Crime Film for Martin Scorsese
'Bakugan' Live Action Movie in the Works
Vin Diesel Ends Speculation About Dwayne Johnson Feud After Oddball Golden Globes Moment
The non-fiction book will chronicle the mostly untold story of a fierce and defiant Hawaiian crime syndicate known as The Company that battled outsider gangs and corporate invaders during the 1960s and 1970s. And it will shine a spotlight on Wilford 'Nappy' Pulawa — the first and only Hawaiian mob boss in history.
The book deal occurs in tandem with a movie deal inked last week with 20th Century Studios and involves Hollywood heavyweights Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt, in addition to Johnson and Bilton. The project was born from the close, 'ohana-like bond between Blunt and Johnson, who worked closely on Jungle Cruise, with the original idea sparked by Blunt. From there, Johnson and Bilton expanded the concept into a sweeping narrative and investigative book, uncovering the hidden history behind what was one of the most powerful criminal syndicates in America.
Johnson's Polynesian roots, his formative years in Hawaii, and family ties make the telling of this story a deeply personal endeavor. Johnson and Bilton jumped deep into the volcano to explore tens of thousands of documents, from FBI files to court transcripts, and tracked down those who lived through this hidden chapter of American crime history for personal interviews. For the duo, it was a way to recount Hawaii's systematic theft by outsiders through the lens of this unique era.
'This isn't just a gangster story, it's about power, identity, and what was taken from the Hawaiian people,' Johnson said in a statement. 'What drew me to this project wasn't just the action and the intensity; for me, this story hits close to home. It's not just history, it's personal. My own family lived through parts of this era, and I've seen firsthand the complicated legacy it left behind. Telling this story is a way to honor our Polynesian culture, and honor where we come from and share the untold history of what really happened in paradise.'
While still a ruthless criminal who rose to control a vast underworld on the islands, Pulawa stood apart from the traditional criminal elements. The book will show his singular focus of protecting his people, who were under both physical and cultural attack from Asia and America. He watched as his people's land, culture, and heritage was systematically taken and exploited by outsiders, from American corporations to powerful Asian crime syndicates.
Driven by a profound determination to reclaim control and preserve his Hawaiian identity, Pulawa built an unprecedented criminal empire in the late 1960s through the 1970s. Known for his signature aloha shirts and fresh orchid leis, he resorted to unmatched levels of violence because the stakes were personal: his people's very survival. The book will show how Pulawa ascended to power rivaling mainland crime legends like Luciano, Capone and Gotti, until it all dramatically unraveled.
'This is an astonishing story filled with jaw-dropping twists, devastating cultural stakes, and the kind of unforgettable characters that writers dream about but rarely find outside the pages of fiction,' stated Bilton, the best-selling author of Hatching Twitter and American Kingpin and producer of the Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley. 'It's exactly the type of true story that draws me in most, one where you can't easily separate heroes from villains, and every character forces you to reconsider what you thought you knew about right and wrong.'
Bilton continued, 'Working with Dwayne, Emily Blunt and the incredible Gillian Blake at Crown on this book has been extraordinary, like excavating a lost history that was never meant to be found. What we have uncovered isn't just a story about crime, it's about power, identity, and the brutal cost of survival in the war for paradise.'
The deal was negotiated by Jay Mandel and Erin Malone of WME and Blake, who is the executive vp, publisher and editor in chief of Crown. Blake will also serve as the book's editor.
'How often these days do we come across an epic and untold American story?' Blake posited proudly. 'This is one of those rare moments, and what makes this book even more special is the talent involved: Dwayne Johnson, with his unique and exciting storytelling ability and intimate roots to Hawaiian culture, and Nick Bilton, one of the best investigative journalists writing today.'
Added Blake: 'Crown is setting its sights, like its namesake, to the top. This book will take its place alongside classic organized crime bestsellers like Mario Puzo's The Godfather and Nicholas Pileggi's Wiseguy, while also illuminating a historical period when the fight to preserve the Hawaiian way of life for its people turned deadly.'
One of the big names in narrative non-fiction, Bilton has written for publications such as Vanity Fair and The New York Times and earned a 'Best Book of the Year' honor from The Wall Street Journal and Audible for American Kingpin. He created the Netflix documentary Biggest Heist Ever, based on his 'Bitcoin Bonnie and Clyde' magazine feature for Vanity Fair.
Johnson actually made his book writing debut back in 2000 with the publishing of his memoir The Rock Says…, which became a New York Times best-seller. The Hawaiian crime book will be a far cry from the tone of that account, written before Johnson's rise as a Hollywood A-lister. He will next be seen in the upcoming A24 drama The Smashing Machine co-starring Blunt, and written and directed by Benny Safdie.
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started
Meet the World Builders: Hollywood's Top Physical Production Executives of 2023
Men in Blazers, Hollywood's Favorite Soccer Podcast, Aims for a Global Empire
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Four executions are scheduled in four states over four days this week. Here's what we know
Over the next four days, four inmates in four different states are scheduled to be put to death – a cluster that, while not abnormal, comes amid a national uptick in executions while President Donald Trump calls for the death penalty's expansion. A cluster of executions is 'not that unusual,' according to Robert Dunham, director of the Death Penalty Policy Project. 'But it's become increasingly rare as use of the death penalty has diminished.' Indeed, the number of executions each year remains far lower than its peak in 1999, when nearly 100 people were put to death nationwide. That figure steadily decreased until the Covid-19 pandemic, when it reached historic lows, Dunham said. But executions are up in the first half of 2025 compared to recent years. In addition to this week's, two more are scheduled later in June. If all six proceed as planned, it would mark 25 executions this year to date, matching the total number of executions carried out in 2024, according to data from the Death Penalty Information Center. That would be the highest number of executions carried out through June since 2011. One reason for the rise is the renewed interest in executions in states that have not carried them out for years, experts said. Arizona, Louisiana and Tennessee have all resumed executions in 2025 after hiatuses. South Carolina and Indiana did the same in 2024. The states are acting independently. But their moves come as Trump has signaled a desire to see capital punishment used more often at the federal level, saying he wants to deter criminals and protect the American people. While his day one executive order, 'Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety,' does not apply to the states, experts said the message it sends could encourage state officials who want to align themselves with the president. 'If a state is inclined to conduct executions anyway, Trump's rhetoric would be the wind behind them pushing them to do that,' said Corinna Lain, a University of Richmond law professor and author of 'Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection.' The executive order also has an overt connection to a case this week: an Oklahoma execution is moving forward because Attorney General Pam Bondi, citing Trump's executive order, approved a transfer of the inmate from federal custody to the state – a request the Biden administration previously denied. CNN has reached out to the White House for comment. Matt Wells, deputy director of Reprieve US, an organization that opposes the death penalty, called this a 'dark time in US capital punishment.' Aside from the resumption of executions in some states, he pointed to states' issues with lethal injection and the advent of alternative execution methods, like nitrogen gas, and the resumption of executions in states that have not put anyone to death in years. 'Yet through his executive order on the death penalty,' Wells said, 'President Trump has sent a strong signal to states to push forward with executions.' Here's what we know about the four inmates facing execution this week: Alabama inmate Gregory Hunt has been on death row for more than 30 years. On Tuesday, he is expected to be executed via nitrogen hypoxia. Alabama became the first state to ever use the method in the execution of Kenneth Smith, which took about 15 minutes to complete. Hunt's execution would be the fifth by nitrogen hypoxia in the state, and the second execution by nitrogen hypoxia this year, according to a spokesperson for Gov. Kay Ivey's office. Hunt – one of the 156 people on death row in the state – killed Karen Lane in the early hours of August 2, 1988, according to court documents. The two had been dating for about a month prior to her death. Lane was found with 60 injuries to her body, including lacerations and bruises to her head, body and organs, documents say. She also had a dozen fractured ribs, a fractured breastbone and evidence suggested she had been sexually assaulted. Hunt is representing himself in court, according to a spokesperson with the Alabama Attorney General's office. Florida inmate Anthony Wainwright has been on death row for roughly 30 years for killing a woman after he and another man escaped from prison in 1994 in Newport, North Carolina. The two escapees stole a green Cadillac and burglarized weapons from a home before driving to Lake City, Florida, according to court documents. While in Lake City, the pair stole another car because the Cadillac was starting to overheat, documents say. The pair drove into a supermarket parking lot and spotted Carmen Gayheart, who was loading groceries into a Ford Bronco. They decided to take her car – first forcing her to get inside it at gunpoint – and drove to a wooded area where they 'raped, strangled, and executed' her with one of the stolen guns, court documents say. CNN has reached out to an attorney for Wainwright for comment. Wainwright's co-conspirator died in 2023, according to The Florida Department of Corrections. Wainwright is expected to be executed via lethal injection Tuesday. Gayheart's sister, Maria David, who attended every day of Wainwright's original trial, said the victim was a devoted mother of two who was beautiful inside and out. 'She loved those kids like nothing else, devoted wife. She was going to be an incredible nurse had she been left to live for the rest of her life,' David said. David, who also runs a Facebook page in her sister's honor, said she will be in attendance for Wainwright's execution, as will other family members. 'This is just going to be closure for the legal aspect of Carmen's case,' David said. 'It doesn't bring closure for me, and I don't think any member of my family, by any means, because we're always going to live with the loss of Carmen.' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed seven death warrants in the first half of 2025, according to his office – if the two executions scheduled for June go forward, that would be just one short of the state's record of eight executions in a single year since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976. John Hanson faces execution Thursday for the fatal shooting of Mary Bowles in August 1999, according to an Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals opinion outlining the case. According to prosecutors, Hanson and his co-defendant, Victor Miller, carjacked and kidnapped Bowles at a Tulsa mall, then drove her to a 'dirt pit' outside the city. There, prosecutors say, Hanson's co-defendant shot the man who owned the pit, Jerald Thurman, and Hanson fatally shot the 77-year-old woman. Hanson's attorneys contest this: They say there is evidence Miller was Bowles' true killer, having confessed to pulling the trigger while in prison. Additionally, Miller is now serving a life sentence after his death sentence was overturned – a glaring sentencing disparity given he is, according to Hanson's attorneys, more culpable than their client. They also argue that federal law was misinterpreted to facilitate Hanson's execution. While he has a death sentence in Oklahoma, Hanson has also been serving a federal life sentence for a robbery. Three years ago, Oklahoma officials asked the Bureau of Prisons to transfer Hanson to state custody so his execution could be carried out. The agency – then under the stewardship of the Biden administration – said no; it would not be in the 'public interest' because he hadn't completed his federal sentence. Oklahoma officials made the request again earlier this year, three days after Trump took office. This time, the administration – specifically Attorney General Pam Bondi – said yes, court records show. The transfer, she found, would comply with the executive order Trump signed on his first day in office, 'Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety,' and promote 'state and federal cooperation on capital crimes.' Hanson is scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections told CNN. Bowles' family has voiced support for the execution to move forward. Her niece, Sara Parker Mooney, remembered her aunt, a lifelong Tulsa resident, as an active member of her community and a mentor to professional women: 'She was the matriarch of our family. She was truly beloved.' 'Mary's murder was indescribably difficult then, and it still is now,' she wrote. 'We have been worn out by the multiple trials, re-trials, and appeals. We find ourselves disappointed and angry with the machinations of the judicial system and the political aspects of the last years. We are ready to be done with this matter.' Stephen Stanko faces execution Friday for the 2005 murder of Henry Lee Turner, though he also has a second death sentence for the murder of Laura Ling. Stanko's execution warrant is tied to Turner's murder, because the inmate had exhausted his appeals in that case, the South Carolina Department of Corrections said in a notice announcing his execution date. On April 7, 2005, Stanko murdered Ling, his girlfriend, the notice says. He also raped her daughter, who was at a minor at the time, and slit her throat – though she survived. Afterwards, Stanko went to Turner's home, where he shot and killed the 74-year-old before stealing his truck and fleeing. Stanko was arrested days later. Henry Turner's son remembered his father as a 'helper,' who was willing to lend a hand to anyone, including the man who killed him. 'He was my best friend,' said Roger Turner. While Roger supports Stanko's execution, he told CNN he had forgiven the inmate for murdering his father. But he wishes the execution had taken place sooner, lamenting the two-decade cycle of appeals that would periodically reignite interest in Stanko's case – and force him to revisit his father's killing time and again. 'Here it is, 20 years later, and I'm still reliving it. I'm still hearing the guy's name,' said Roger Turner. He intends to attend the execution. Should it move ahead, Stanko will be executed by lethal injection, a spokesperson for the South Carolina Department of Corrections told CNN. South Carolina inmates can choose their method of execution, with the electric chair and the firing squad as the other available options. CNN has reached out to Ling's daughter and Stanko's attorney for comment.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Donald Trump Jr weighs into LA crisis by suggesting protesters should be shot by ‘Rooftop Koreans'
Donald Trump Jr has attempted to make light of the ongoing tensions in Los Angeles by calling for the city to 'Make Rooftop Koreans Great Again!' Donald Trump's eldest son posted a meme on X of a Korean-American business owner inspecting a rifle on a rooftop in reference to the Los Angeles riots of 1992, which erupted in response to the acquittal of four Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers caught on video beating Black motorist Rodney King. The angry scenes that ensued saw some members of the local Asian diaspora take up arms to defend their businesses from looters and vandals. The Korean-Americans who took action to safeguard their livelihoods were both applauded as symbols of self-reliance and condemned for risking exacerbating existing racial animosity in their neighborhoods. Don Jr's post comes after protesters again took to the streets of the California city over the weekend to rail against his father's crackdown on illegal immigration, scenes that began on Friday when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents met with opposition from the public as they attempted to arrest alleged undocumented migrants living locally. The mass resistance saw vehicles set alight as protesters threw fireworks towards armed law enforcement officers, held aloft placards bearing hostile slogans and shouted 'Shame on you!' Officers in riot gear responded by firing tear gas and flash grenades to attempt to disperse the crowds. ICE operations across Los Angeles County have so far resulted in the arrests of 118 accused illegal immigrants despite the clashes, according to the Department of Homeland Security. President Trump responded to the situation by federalizing the California National Guard on Saturday, a step that was immediately condemned as 'unlawful' by the state's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who said the move was unnecessary as there were enough LAPD officers on the streets to control the demonstrations. Newsom accused Trump of attempting to 'manufacture a crisis' to distract from his other domestic controversies and of violating California's state sovereignty. 'These are the acts of a dictator, not a president,' he added. Newsom has since sued the administration and challenged Trump's border czar Tom Homan to arrest him, writing on X on Sunday: 'Come and get me, tough guy. I don't give a damn. It won't stop me from standing up for California.' Trump hit back at him on Truth Social, declaring: 'Governor Gavin Newscum and 'Mayor' [Karen] Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the absolutely horrible job that they have done, and this now includes the ongoing L.A. riots. 'These are not protesters, they are troublemakers and insurrectionists. Remember, NO MASKS!' More than 2,000 members of the state National Guard duly arrived in the city on Sunday to assist the LAPD in maintaining order. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has meanwhile threatened to send in the Marines if the chaos continues. At least 10 protesters were arrested on Sunday, following on from the 29 taken into custody on Saturday.
Business Upturn
3 hours ago
- Business Upturn
Love Island UK Season 12: 10 surprising facts you didn't know about host Maya Jama
Love Island UK Season 12 is set to heat up screens with its premiere on ITV2 and ITVX on June 9, 2025, and streaming on Hulu in the U.S. starting June 12. At the heart of the drama is the charismatic host, Maya Jama, who's been steering the villa's romantic chaos since 2023. Known for her vibrant energy and stunning looks, Maya has become a fan favorite. But there's more to her than meets the eye! Here are 10 surprising facts about Maya Jama that will make you love her even more. 1. Maya Jama Was Named After a Legendary Poet Maya's unique name comes from the iconic American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou. Her mother, Sadie, who was just 18 when she gave birth, was inspired by Angelou's work, particularly I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings , during her pregnancy. This meaningful namesake reflects Maya's vibrant and expressive personality. 2. She's of Somali and Swedish Descent Born in Bristol, England, on August 14, 1994, Maya is of mixed heritage. Her father is Somali, and her mother is of Swedish and Scottish descent, making her a trailblazer as the first non-white host of Love Island UK . She's spoken about the significance of this milestone, hoping it opens doors for others from similar backgrounds. 3. A Tough Childhood Shaped Her Resilience Maya's early life wasn't easy. Her father was in and out of prison for violent offenses, leading her to cut ties with him at age 12. She explored this challenging upbringing in a 2017 TV documentary, reflecting on how a supportive environment helped her thrive despite the hardships. 4. She Started Her Career as a Teen Maya kicked off her media journey as a teenager, hosting a weekly music video countdown on After moving to London at 16 to pursue her dreams, she hustled her way through the industry, often surviving on £1 chicken-shop meals. Her grit paid off as she landed roles with MTV and Sky UK. 5. Acting Was Her First Ambition Before becoming a TV presenter, Maya dreamed of being an actress. She auditioned for the teen drama Skins at 15, confidently telling friends she'd be famous—only to miss out on the role. Recently, she's revisiting this passion, landing a role in Netflix's The Gentlemen Season 2, playing a glamorous wife in Guy Ritchie's gritty drama. 6. She's a Fashion and Beauty Icon Maya's style is a major draw for fans. She's modeled for brands like Adidas, Maybelline, and Dolce & Gabbana, and even replaced Kate Moss in a multi-million-pound Rimmel deal. On Instagram, with over 3.2 million followers, she shares skincare and haircare tips, including how to keep hair healthy while wearing wigs. 7. High-Profile Romances Kept Her in the Headlines Maya's love life has sparked plenty of tabloid buzz. She dated British rapper Stormzy from 2014 to 2019, briefly rekindled their romance in 2023, and split again in 2024. She was also engaged to NBA star Ben Simmons in 2021, but the couple parted ways due to busy schedules. Despite rumors linking her to Leonardo DiCaprio, she denied any romance. 8. She's a Football Fanatic A passionate football supporter, Maya cheers for both Bristol Rovers and West Ham United. In 2024, she was announced as a manager for one of the 12 teams in the Baller League UK, a six-a-side football league, showcasing her love for the sport. 9. Maya Hosted the BRIT Awards and Joined The Masked Singer Beyond Love Island , Maya's hosting gigs are impressive. She co-hosted the 2024 BRIT Awards with Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp and joined The Masked Singer UK panel in 2025, replacing Rita Ora. Her bubbly personality and sharp wit make her a natural fit for these high-profile roles. 10. She's Promised 'More Twists Than Ever' for Season 12 Maya is hyping up Love Island UK Season 12 as a game-changer. In the trailer, she demands 'more drama, more bombshells, more break-ups, more make-ups,' and teases the first-ever American bombshell entering the villa. With the show celebrating its 10th anniversary, expect a summer of surprises under her watch.
