The Rock teams up with A24 for new thriller amid WWE return speculation
Image via WWE
Image via WWE
Image via WWE
Image via WWE
Image via WWE
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Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is set to collaborate once again with acclaimed indie studio
A24
for an upcoming
psychological thriller
titled Breakthrough. This move marks the latest addition to The Rock's expanding Hollywood portfolio as he continues balancing film work with occasional appearances in WWE.
According to a report by
Deadline
, Johnson will take on a supporting role in the new project, which is being produced and financed by A24. The studio is best known for its critically acclaimed titles, and this marks Johnson's second venture with them after the MMA biopic The Smashing Machine, scheduled for release later this year.
Plot centers on guru figure in dark psychological tale
Set in early 2000s Southern California, Breakthrough will follow a young, alienated man who falls under the influence of a motivational guru—portrayed by The Rock—whose charm masks deeper manipulations and a sinister agenda.
While the lead actor has not yet been cast, the project is generating buzz for its departure from Johnson's usual action-hero image.
Johnson's own production company,
Seven Bucks Productions
, is also involved in the film, continuing his trend of playing a hands-on role in projects he stars in.
While Johnson's film career is thriving, his relationship with WWE continues to make headlines - this time off-screen. Speculation about backstage tension between Johnson and WWE's Chief Content Officer Triple H has resurfaced, with former WWE personalities like Jonathan Coachman and Tommy Carlucci suggesting on their podcast Behind The Turnbuckle that the two may not be on the best of terms.
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Triple H vs. The Rock: WWE's Backstage Power Struggle!
This theory gained momentum following Johnson's absence from key WWE events like WrestleMania 41 and the recent Backlash Premium Live Event. Despite earlier expectations that he might return to the ring to challenge or support John Cena, Johnson chose to remain on the sidelines, citing scheduling conflicts and a desire not to overshadow Cena's historic title win.
WWE Hall of Famer JBL, however, dismissed the idea of real animosity, suggesting the apparent tension might be part of a larger, staged narrative. 'It looks like a really orchestrated angle,' he said on the
Something to Wrestle podcast
.
The Rock's last WWE appearance was at Elimination Chamber 2025. While fans continue to speculate about his next move, it seems The Final Boss will remain off WWE television for the foreseeable future as he focuses on his expanding film commitments.
Whether Breakthrough becomes a breakout success or another piece in Johnson's Hollywood empire, one thing is certain—he's still very much in business.
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