Brandon Sanderson Defends Dwayne Johnson’s Acting After Box Office Setbacks

Brandon Sanderson isn’t shy about sharing his thoughts on Dwayne Johnson’s career. During a recent podcast episode, the acclaimed author spoke candidly about the former wrestler’s journey in Hollywood, highlighting how Johnson has carved out a space for himself by embracing a persona that resonates with audiences.

I keep pointing out, I say, The Rock is a good actor. The Rock has found a persona that people really like, that is successful, and he often acts that character, but people are too hard on The Rock.

While critics have often called out Johnson for sticking to similar roles, Sanderson sees things differently. He believes Johnson’s performances are engaging enough to make viewers overlook the fact that his imposing physique doesn’t always fit the characters he plays. Sanderson pointed to Johnson’s work in "Jumanji " as a prime example of his versatility.

I think even things like Jumanji, he’s showing a lot of range, and if you watch this clip, you’ll be like, ‘Wow, he plays a befuddled nerd, and you can almost forget that it ’s a man who has biceps the size of my head, who is playing the befuddled nerd. He’s good.

Hollywood’s Influence and Johnson’s Creative Struggles

Despite a series of box office disappointments, Johnson has stayed true to his passion for filmmaking. After years of leading big-budget action flicks, he’s now exploring more independent, character-driven projects. Johnson has spoken openly about the challenges of working in an industry that often values profit over creativity, revealing that the pressure to fit a certain mold can be stifling.

Reflecting on his experience with the sports drama "The Smashing Machine," Johnson admitted that the process forced him to confront his own fears about vulnerability on screen. At the Venice Film Festival, he shared his desire to break away from the blockbuster formula and discussed the limitations Hollywood can impose on actors.

It can push you into a corner and category – ‘This is your lane, this is what you do, and this is what people want you to be, and this is what Hollywood wants you to be.’

Johnson doesn’t regret his past projects, even those that didn’t perform well financially. Still, he acknowledged that being typecast made it tough to explore new territory as an actor.

Recognition and a New Direction

Sanderson’s praise comes at a pivotal moment for Johnson. This year, he’s up for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards for his role in "The Smashing Machine." Although the film struggled at the box office, critics singled out Johnson’s performance as a standout, with some calling it a breakthrough.

"The Smashing Machine," directed by Benny Safdie and distributed by A24, premiered on October 3, 2025, and currently holds a 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Johnson’s work in the film has sparked conversations about his potential to take on more challenging, unconventional roles in the future.

With this recognition, fans are eager to see Johnson continue to push boundaries and showcase his skills in projects that go beyond the typical action hero mold.