Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Brendan Fraser reunited for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, marking a significant moment for two stars whose careers intersected at a pivotal juncture more than two decades ago. The conversation began with Johnson expressing his gratitude to Fraser for supporting his casting in The Mummy Returns (2001), a role that launched Johnson’s transition from professional wrestling to Hollywood.
Johnson recalled the uncertainty surrounding his casting as the Scorpion King. “I was ready to make my transition into Hollywood, and I was excited, and I had this opportunity to be casted in your movie as the Scorpion King,” Johnson said. He noted that the studio, Universal, told him they needed to consult Fraser before finalizing the decision. “There was a moment I feel like, where you could have said, Hey, listen, I love this idea… but this guy, Dwayne Johnson, has never acted before… The word that I got back was Brandon loves the idea. He welcomes you with open arms”.
Johnson credited this specific act of support as the catalyst for his entire film career. “You took a shot and a risk with me, who had never acted back then, but also that kicked off my career… thank you for in a way, in a big way, really changing my life,” Johnson stated.
Fraser rejected the notion that it was a risk, praising Johnson’s suitability for the role. “You were always the right guy for the job,” Fraser replied. “It felt like you need a stadium persona performance to give, to play a villain you love to hate… We needed someone bigger and badder than Imhotep. And who are you going to get? They got you”.
Addressing the Infamous CGI
The two actors discussed the technical limitations present during their first collaboration. The Mummy Returns is often cited in film history for the computer-generated imagery (CGI) used for the Scorpion King character in the film’s climax. Johnson acknowledged that they never actually met on set during the production, as his character was a digital creation for the final battle.
“It was first time that we met was on the red carpet at the premiere,” Fraser noted. “Because you were a piece of tape on a stick for the bag boss battle at the end”.
Fraser revealed that the visual effects team was aware of the quality issues even at the time of the film’s release. “When I was at the premiere, I met the guys who were doing the CGI after, they were like, hey, congratulations. Great movie. And they were like, we needed more time,” Fraser recounted.
‘The Smashing Machine’ and Vulnerability
A significant portion of the conversation focused on Johnson’s role in the upcoming A24 film The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie. In the film, Johnson plays Mark Kerr, a legendary MMA fighter who struggled with addiction and the pressures of competition. Johnson described the role as his first foray into this specific level of drama.
“I got to the Toronto Film Festival, and the film ends, and the audience is clapping… and getting whisked on the stage, and who was right there… it was you with the biggest smile and the biggest hug,” Johnson told Fraser.
Fraser praised Johnson’s performance, specifically highlighting a scene where Johnson’s character walks back to the locker room after a loss. “That release of nodding, not allowing your oneself to be vulnerable publicly on display… leaving the ring, coming all the way through the audience… and no one wants to talk about it,” Fraser observed. “That was when I went, Oh, man, Dwayne, you done it. You’re here”.
Johnson connected the scene to his own experiences with pressure. “It’s not wins and losses, man, it’s just pressure. And it’s the pressure to uphold, the pressure to deliver, the pressure to take care of ourselves, family, kids,” Johnson said. He referenced a quote from boxer Floyd Patterson about wishing for a trap door in the ring after a loss to “fall into the earth and disappear”.
Reflecting on ‘The Whale’ and Success
Johnson took the opportunity to discuss Fraser’s own career resurgence, specifically his Academy Award-winning performance in The Whale. Johnson recalled supporting Fraser during the film’s standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.
“That moment rocked me and it moved me,” Johnson said. “I felt such joy for you, because I felt even though you and I hadn’t talked about it, like, there it is after all these years, that’s what you work for”.
Fraser credited Johnson for his public support during that period. “You put your shoulder into that by showing your support through Twitter. And Dwayne, you’re a godfather of sorts of the success of that project,” Fraser stated.
When asked if winning the Oscar changed his perspective or desire to challenge himself, Fraser revealed that it has only intensified his drive. “I felt like you better earn this… Uphold the standard,” Fraser explained. “Also I felt like, I felt like I don’t have anything to prove… But that doesn’t mean I’m gonna just coast… If anything, I feel like I have to wear hungrier”.
‘Rental Family’ and Loneliness
Fraser discussed his upcoming project, Rental Family, directed by Hikari. In the film, Fraser plays a character named Philip who becomes involved with a Japanese rental family agency. Fraser explained the cultural context of the film, noting that such agencies exist to alleviate loneliness.
“There’s like 300 agencies that still allow you sell people. No, we sell emotion,” Fraser explained. “People do feel a need for connection in a meaningful way, even if it’s make believe, even if it’s pretend… It serves a purpose that allows for people to have the connection that so often I think we’ve lost”.
Johnson praised the film and the relationship depicted between Fraser’s character and the other actors, specifically the veteran Japanese actor Akira Emoto. Fraser shared details about working with Emoto, describing him as a “living legend” who performs free theater every morning at 8:00 AM.
The conversation concluded with both actors expressing mutual admiration. Johnson reaffirmed his support for Fraser, stating, “I will always support you. I got your back”.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Variety’s Actors on Actors with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
