‘Awards Chatter’ Podcast: Dwayne Johnson on Acting, Ambition, and Authenticity
In a live session with film students at Chapman University, Dwayne Johnson, the wrestler-turned-actor, discussed his career, mindset, and his latest role in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, produced by A24. Speaking before an audience of nearly 500 students, he offered insights into his approach to acting and fame.
“I was ready to chase the challenge and not chase the box office,” said Johnson, referring to his portrayal of Mark Kerr, an early MMA fighter whose turbulent life inspired the film.
For most, such a statement might seem modest. Yet Johnson’s track record makes it more meaningful — he is one of the most commercially successful entertainers of his generation. The 53-year-old has been named by Forbes as the world’s highest-grossing actor multiple times: in 2013, 2019, 2020, 2021, and again in 2024. Across his 40 films, including action-packed blockbusters and family comedies, global box office revenue has reached nearly 14 billion dollars, averaging about 349.7 million per title.
In the past year alone, Johnson achieved a rare milestone: two of his films — Moana 2 and Red One — opened at number one at the box office within the same month. No other actor or actress had accomplished this in 27 years, reaffirming his enduring appeal and market dominance.
Summary
Dwayne Johnson shared with film students his evolving view on success, highlighting his shift from chasing blockbusters to pursuing challenging, character-driven roles that define his artistic growth.