Dwayne Johnson: The Rock, WWE Legend and Star of Jumanji and Moana
Dwayne Johnson, known in the ring as “The Rock,” is an American actor, producer and semi-retired professional wrestler. He is best known for The Scorpion King (2002), Fast Five (2011), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and for voicing Maui in Moana (2016). In 2026 he played Maui again in Disney’s live-action Moana. Jumanji: Open World opens on December 25, 2026.
Dwayne Johnson first became famous as The Rock in WWE, where he won eight WWE Championships. He went on to star in a long run of action and comedy films. He still signs with WWE and performs for the company on a part-time basis.
Quick facts about Dwayne Johnson
| Full name | Dwayne Douglas Johnson |
|---|---|
| Born | May 2, 1972, Hayward, California, U.S. |
| Age | 54 (as of November 2026) |
| Occupation | Actor, producer, professional wrestler |
| Known for | The Scorpion King (2002), Fast Five (2011), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), Moana (2016) |
| Wrestling honors | Eight-time WWE Champion |
| Profiles | IMDb |
Dwayne Johnson as the Scorpion King in The Scorpion King (2002)
Dwayne Johnson made the jump from wrestling to leading man as the title warrior in The Scorpion King (2002). The film was a spin-off of the Mummy franchise, where his character had appeared as a CGI man-scorpion. Few wrestlers have moved into film this successfully. The Scorpion King made him a box-office draw, and action and adventure films became the core of his career.
Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs in the Fast & Furious films (2011–present)
Dwayne Johnson joined the Fast & Furious series as federal agent Luke Hobbs in Fast Five (2011). He worked alongside Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. He returned for Fast & Furious 6, Furious 7 (2015) and The Fate of the Furious, which was directed by F. Gary Gray. He is attached to play Hobbs again in Fast Forever, which he is also producing.
Dwayne Johnson as Maui and Dr. Smolder Bravestone (2016–2026)
Dwayne Johnson voiced the demigod Maui in Disney’s animated Moana (2016) and again in Moana 2 (2024). He then played Maui on screen in the live-action Moana. Thomas Kail directed that film, Catherine Laga’aia played Moana, and it opened on July 10, 2026. Johnson also produced it through Seven Bucks Productions.
On the family-adventure side, Dwayne Johnson has played Dr. Smolder Bravestone since Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017). Jake Kasdan directs the next film, Jumanji: Open World, which reunites Johnson with Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan. It is set for release on December 25, 2026.
Dwayne Johnson has also moved into dramatic work. In the A24 biographical drama The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, he played mixed martial artist Mark Kerr opposite Emily Blunt. His upcoming projects include Lizard Music, where his role is listed as Chicken Man, with Regina Hall and Alicia Silverstone. The Hollywood Reporter has also reported a planned film called Free Byrd.
Dwayne Johnson filmography (selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Jumanji: Open World | Dr. Smolder Bravestone | Film |
| 2026 | Moana | Maui | Film |
| 2026 | Hulk Hogan: Real American | Himself (voice) | Documentary |
| 2025 | WWE: Unreal | The Rock | TV series |
| 2024 | Moana 2 | Maui | Voice role |
| 2024 | Red One | — | Film |
| 2024 | Mr. McMahon | Himself | Documentary |
| 2022 | Black Adam | Black Adam | Film |
| 2021 | Young Rock | Dwayne Johnson | TV series |
| 2018 | Rampage | — | Film |
| 2017 | Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle | Dr. Smolder Bravestone | Film |
| 2016 | Moana | Maui | Voice role |
| 2015 | Furious 7 | Luke Hobbs | Film |
| 2011 | Fast Five | Luke Hobbs | Film |
| 2002 | The Scorpion King | The Scorpion King | Film |
FAQ
– How old is Dwayne Johnson?
Dwayne Johnson was born on May 2, 1972. He is 54 years old (as of November 2026).
– Where was Dwayne Johnson born?
Dwayne Johnson was born in Hayward, California. His father was the professional wrestler Rocky Johnson.
– What is Dwayne Johnson known for?
Dwayne Johnson is known as The Rock, an eight-time WWE Champion. On screen he is known for The Scorpion King (2002), Fast Five (2011), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and for voicing Maui in Moana (2016).
– What is Dwayne Johnson’s new movie?
Dwayne Johnson’s next release is Jumanji: Open World, which opens in theaters on December 25, 2026. Before that, he played Maui in the live-action Moana, released on July 10, 2026.
Header photo: Harald Krichel / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0, resized
