Dwayne Johnson, commonly known as The Rock, has returned to WWE, reaffirming his status as an influential industry figure. With his WWE stint ending post-WrestleMania 40, he shifted focus to upcoming Hollywood projects, such as the film ‘Red One.’ However, recent insider claims suggest that The Rock’s habitual tardiness may have precipitated a staggering $50 million loss for the film.
The anticipated Amazon MGM production ‘Red One,’ starring Johnson alongside Chris Evans and J.K. Simmons, has encountered significant setbacks, resulting in a release delay from Christmas 2023 to November 2024. Although 2023’s labor strikes were initially blamed, insiders have revealed the true causes are rooted in recurrent tardiness and production missteps, leading to extensive delays.
An investigative report by The Wrap highlighted that the movie’s budget soared past $250 million, a figure more akin to major superhero feature productions. The ballooning budget is allegedly related to Johnson’s consistent lateness and unprofessional behavior on set, combined with the inexperience of lead producer Hiram Garcia and Amazon MGM executives Julie Rapaport and Glenn Gainor.
Sources indicate that Johnson’s lateness resulted in severe scheduling issues, frequently arriving up to eight hours late or missing whole shooting days, escalating production costs by approximately $50 million. In addition, Johnson has also been noted for an unusual practice of urinating in water bottles to avoid public restrooms, which his staff or production assistants were tasked with discarding.
“He pees in a Voss water bottle and his team or a PA has to dispose of it,” revealed an insider familiar with Johnson’s behavior.
“The only consistent aspect of Dwayne’s on-set presence was his chronic tardiness.”
Contrary to Johnson’s image as “the hardest worker in the room,” these allegations present a starkly different depiction of his on-set demeanor, with an insider candidly asserting, “Dwayne truly doesn’t give a f–k.”
In defense of these allegations, representatives from The Rock’s circle and his company, Seven Bucks Productions, insist that Johnson’s typically no more than an hour late to the set. An Amazon MGM affiliate also maintained that the budget changes were within an expected 15% margin, denoting no significant departure from the proposed $250 million.
“Budget fluctuations within 15% of the target are completely normal, which aligns with our experience,” they explained.
The filming for “Red One” experienced delays on two occasions, attributed to Johnson’s other pursuits like the ‘Young Rock’ television series, the XFL relaunch, and the ‘Black Adam’ publicity tour. Following an initial shoot in August, production recommenced in November 2022.
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FAQ
What movie did The Rock’s alleged tardiness affect?
The Rock’s alleged chronic lateness reportedly affected the production of the movie ‘Red One.’
Who are the stars of ‘Red One’?
‘Red One’ features Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, and J.K. Simmons.
What was the original release date for ‘Red One’?
The original release date for ‘Red One’ was planned for the Christmas season of 2023, which has now been delayed to November 2024.
What increased the budget of ‘Red One’?
The budget of ‘Red One’ increased due to production issues, including The Rock’s reported lateness, which added at least $50 million to the film’s costs.
What is the estimated budget for ‘Red One’?
The estimated budget for ‘Red One’ has surpassed $250 million.
Conclusion
The future of ‘Red One’ sits in uncertainty as the clash between the image of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as a professional and diligent worker and the recent allegations of his conduct arise. The financial implications of his supposed tardiness are significant, and the impact on his reputation within the industry may be substantial. As the story develops and more information becomes available, audiences and insiders alike will watch closely to see how these allegations affect Johnson’s career and the ultimate success of ‘Red One’.