Dwayne Johnsonis back to collaborating with major filmmakers, and no, it doesn’t seem to be another generic Netflix action flick.The Rock has revealed that he is teaming up with J.J. Abrams for the first time on an upcoming project. TheStar Warsdirector is now working ona top-secret movie starring Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega, but it’s unclear if Johnson’s announcement is referring to that one in particular.
Johnson went toInstagramto reveal a new project “years in the making” with J.J. Abrams, keeping all other details close to his chest. He describes a dinner between the two artists, confirming that they will be collaborating with a raised glass and toast. Johnson most recently filmed the dramaThe Smashing Machinefor director Benny Safdie,which could land him some awards nominations. But his latest work alongside J.J. Abrams could put him back in the action genre.
“Years in the making - we finally broke bread, we drank, got a lil’ drunk (maybe that was just me) laughed, we talked life stuff, love stuff, dude stuff and took our time chopping up our passion for movies and storytelling. Then we all raised a glass and toasted to….yup, this one is gonna be fun.”
In his post, Johnson mentions that the untitled project comes from the mind ofZak Penn,a notable screenwriterwhose previous credits will likely excite fans of the actor. Penn wrote the screenplay forReady Player One,Free Guy,The Avengers(before Joss Whedon re-wrote it), and the 1993 filmThe Last Action Hero. He also penned a good chunk of the original Fox Marvel films, includingX2: X-Men UnitedandX-Men: The Last Stand. Although Penn could be the writer behind Abrams' upcoming Powell-led sci-fi film, it is still unknown if that’s the project Johnson referred to in the social media post.
Dwayne Johnson & JJ Abrams' Upcoming Slate of Movies
Dwayne Johnson wasnot able to shift the hierarchyof the now-defunct DCEU withBlack Adam,but that doesn’t mean he’s not making his presence known elsewhere. In addition to making his return to WWE as The Rock the past two years, Johnson has kept himself busy with several major blockbusters. After appearing in the post-credits scene forFast X,Johnson is set to lead his ownFast & Furiousfollow-upbefore starring in the 11th and final film of the franchise. He’s also pulling double duty on Disney’s upcomingMoanafilms, the animated sequel and the live-action production. Next, audiences will be able to see him on the big screen during the holiday season withRed One, alongside Chris Evans and J.K. Simmons.
Red One Trailer Reveals First Look at Dwayne Johnson & Chris Evans’ Christmas Action Movie
Dwayne Johnson and MCU star Chris Evans fight to save Christmas in the first trailer for Red One.
J.J. Abrams has been keeping quiet as of late when it comes to directing his own projects. Although he has several Bad Robot-produced projects in the pipeline, his next directing gig afterStar Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalkerwill be the untitled top-secret film starring Powell, Ortega, and now possibly Johnson.TheInSneiderpreviously reported that it was a fantasy film inspired by the 1984 movieThe Last Starfighter,a space opera about a video game player recruited to fight an interstellar war against aliens. If true, Abrams is remaining well within his wheelhouse.
