Latest news with #TheSmashingMachine
Geek Feed
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Feed
The Rock is Already Set to Star in another A24 Movie After The Smashing Machine
The Rock's image as a celebrity is pretty clear-cut, so it's pretty surprising that he would team-up with a Safdie brother for the biopic The Smashing Machine . Though some consider this an interesting fluke for Johnson's career, it looks like he's already signed up for another artsy movie with A24. As per Discussing Film, the Rock will be starring in Breakthrough , a psychological thriller which will have him play a motivational guru who takes a young man under his wing as he uses 'morally questionable methods of manipulation'. We don't know exactly what the film's theme is set to be, but some guess that the Rock is going to be playing some kind of 'Andrew Tate' character who is going to be a cautionary tale about the rise of misogyny and Hustle culture—especially how it also targets young men. If anything, the Rock already kind of played a 'wealth-fluencer' character like that in HBO's Ballers , but it would make sense if he was cast as that kind of toxic masculine influencer because it does seem like a lot of those kinds of people are aspiring to be someone like Johnson. After the several big-budget, family-friendly flops like Black Adam , some are thinking that Johnson is trying to pull a serious image reboot with The Smashing Machine . I'll admit, I am in the camp that thinks he's kind of washed up artistically, but he's very welcome to prove everyone wrong with this recent slate of projects. Breakthrough has no release date yet, but The Smashing Machine comes to cinemas on Oct. 3.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
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 1 2 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo 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. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
See - Sada Elbalad
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Dwayne Johnson to Star in Psychological Thriller "Breakthrough"
Yara Sameh After working with A24 on "The Smashing Machine", the highly anticipated MMA drama out later this year, Dwayne Johnson is reteaming with the studio in "Breakthrough", a psychological thriller penned by up-and-comer Zeke Goodman. 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. Johnson will play the supporting role of the guru, with casting still underway for the lead role and other supporting parts. There's no director on the project yet, but it will be produced and financed by A24. Stacey Sher's Shiny Penny Productions will produce alongside Johnson and Dany Garcia's Seven Bucks Productions, with Jacob Epstein and Justin Wolf to exec produce via Lighthouse Management and Media. In recent years, Johnson has been attaching himself to projects that show a different side to his capabilities as a performer, and "Breakthrough" is no different in that respect. Earlier this year, he set up "Ripped", an adaptation of the short story by Joe Ballarini, at 20th Century Studios, with an eye to producing via Seven Bucks and potentially starring. This isn't the only high-profile project he has there at the moment, as he's also set to star opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt in 20th's untitled Hawaiian crime pic to be directed by Martin Scorsese. Next up, Johnson will be seen playing MMA fighter Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine", a possible awards contender from director Benny Safdie that's slated for release on October 3. Goodman is a multi-hyphenate writer, director and actor who started his career as the star of Amazon's "I Know What You Did Last Summer" reboot and their series reboot of "Cruel Intentions". read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson cast as dark guru in new thriller
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has been cast as a morally questionable guru in 'Breakthrough'. The WWE legend turned Hollywood megastar is continuing his working relationship with A24 after MMA drama 'The Smashing Machine' with another new project. As reported by Deadline, Johnson has been cast in a new phycological thriller penned by up-and-coming writer Zeke Goodman. The film will be set in Southern California at the turn of the millennium, with an alienated young man finding himself being influenced by a motivational guru, played by The Rock. The guru is charming, but it's simply a front to hide his "manipulation" and "concealed darkness". While Johnson is said to have been cast, the lead character and other supporting roles are yet to be decided. A24 withh produce and finance the movie, along with Stacey Sher's Shiny Penny Productions, and Johnson's own Seven Bucks Productions. Writer Goodman rose to fame in Amazon's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and 'Cruel Intentions' reboots, while a director is yet to be attached. Although 'The Smashing Machine' and 'Breakthrough' mark a departure for Johnson, he previously admitted voicing demi-god Maui in Disney's 'Moana' film series was "life changing". Asked what Maui means to him, he told Britain's HELLO! magazine: 'So much. Getting to play Maui has been life changing for me. 'The experience over these two movies goes way deeper than any other character I've played 'This is my culture. He is part of me. 'The character of Maui is actually inspired by grandfather, who was High Chief Peter Maivia. It means so much to me.' And the former wrestler finds fans often want to talk to him about the Disney saga – and try and persuade him to sing his signature song from 'Moana'. He said: 'You might not see my face, but there is something about this character that connects with people. 'I'm grateful to have been part of some big projects over the years, but I can honestly say that, more than 'Jumanji', more than 'Rampage' or 'Jungle Cruise', any of those, the one thing that blows people's minds is that I'm the guy who sings 'You're Welcome'. 'I've been asked to sing that song in all kinds of places.' Dwayne will also play Maui in a live-action remake of 'Moana' and he is very 'excited' about the film. He said: 'I'm so excited about it. It's the 'Moana' story we all love, but it's live-action this time. 'I can't say too much, but we have the amazing Tommy Kail directing and it's the music of Lin-Manuel Miranda. 'It's a very special celebration of an incredible story that resonates with everybody around the world.'
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Dwayne The Rock' Johnson To Reunite With A24 For 'Breakthrough'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is set to take on another role that clearly shows his growing range as an actor in Hollywood. He is continuing his promising partnership with the highly respected film studio A24 for an intriguing new project. News of this exciting new movie came out for fans and the industry on Wednesday. was the first to report that Johnson will co-star in a psychological thriller from A24, 'Breakthrough.' A24, a studio well-known for its bold and often very intense films, will produce this new movie. They will also provide all the financing for 'Breakthrough,' showing their strong belief in the project. This film marks the second movie collaboration announced between the global superstar Dwayne Johnson and the acclaimed studio A24. Their first film project together is the much-talked-about MMA drama "The Smashing Machine." Benny Safdie is directing the movie, which will star Johnson in the main role as real-life fighter Mark Kerr. The movie is expected to be released in theaters this coming October 2025. Zeke Goodman is carefully writing the script for the new psychological thriller Breakthrough. However, the studio has not yet officially chosen or announced a director. US actor Dwayne Johnson poses on the red carpet upon arrival for the UK Premier of "Moana 2", at the Cineworld, in Leicester Square, in central London, on November 24, 2024. The 'Moana 2' star... US actor Dwayne Johnson poses on the red carpet upon arrival for the UK Premier of "Moana 2", at the Cineworld, in Leicester Square, in central London, on November 24, 2024. The 'Moana 2' star recently took a stance about a viral debate. More BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images The important process of finding the right actors for the movie is happening right now. The production team is actively searching for an actor to take on the main lead role in the story and is also casting for other key supporting parts in the film. Deadline's report also shared some very interesting early information about the film's story, which sounds quite dark and complex. The movie will reportedly take place in Southern California around the turn of the millennium, which sets the action in the early 2000s. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation According to Deadline, the central plot of this psychological thriller "follows an alienated young man who comes under the influence of a motivational guru." The guru character is further described in the report as someone whose "intoxicating charm masks his morally questionable methods of manipulation and his own concealed darkness." Dwayne Johnson will reportedly play this very complex and potentially sinister supporting role. Deadline specifically states in their report, "We're told Johnson will play the supporting role of the guru." Playing such a manipulative figure who has a hidden dark nature will be a big change for Johnson. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
