Are we on the verge of experiencing The Rocknaissance?

      Dwayne Johnson is reaching a pivotal moment in his career; moving from predictable, interchangeable films to collaborations with Martin Scorsese and Benny Safdie—are we on the brink of a "Rocknaissance"?

      You've likely encountered that meme featuring a four-panel image of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, clad in seemingly identical attire (a snug white t-shirt, dirty and soaked with sweat), showcasing his signature shiny head without a single hair out of place. These images are not from a single film but rather four different ones, and honestly, I couldn’t tell you which films they are because they all blend together. Johnson's characters, known for his iconic move, the People's Elbow, are often quite similar, differing only slightly.

      During Johnson's peak box office success, he meticulously crafted a successful formula. He became one of the few names in the industry capable of guaranteeing box office success just by his presence—much like the movie stars of the past. Marvel actors often struggle to lead projects when not in their recognizable costumes, and Johnson's Fast and Furious co-star Vin Diesel has little box office draw outside the car franchise that launched his career.

      The impact of COVID-19, along with Johnson's prolific output, led him to pursue sequels, established franchises, and even take on the role of Black Adam to ride the comic book wave. Decreasing box office returns, including those of the long-awaited Black Adam, hinted that audiences might be growing tired of Johnson's formulaic performances.

      While Johnson was a reliable choice for action-packed, easygoing entertainment, critics have remained unimpressed. Similar to John Cena today, Johnson received lukewarm praise for being adept in light-hearted and action-packed cinema. He appeared to depart from the more varied roles of his earlier years, where he took on edgier films or offbeat supporting characters. His films like Faster and Snitch yielded modest returns, and he attempted to showcase more range with roles in Be Cool or the poorly received Southland Tales, where he also dabbled in family movies, often playing a large guy outsmarted by children.

      His appearance in Fast Five was a turning point, elevating the franchise to new financial heights and simultaneously boosting Johnson's career. He became synonymous with high-budget films expected to earn significant amounts. Following this success, he starred in the Jumanji reboots. The two Jumanji films, along with Hobbs and Shaw (at least internationally) and the Fast and Furious franchise, rank among his highest-grossing films. He also starred in the costly Netflix original Red Notice, which was budgeted at $200 million for a limited release.

      However, declining box office numbers suggest that audiences feel they've seen enough of Johnson's work. Some recent films have started to feel uninspired, giving the impression that Johnson might be “phoning it in.” The question that was asked of him in his initial films still lingers: Can Dwayne Johnson really act? While some of his stronger performances, like those in Faster or Pain and Gain, seem like distant memories, Dave Bautista's comedic talent in Marvel films and collaborations with Denis Villeneuve overshadow Johnson and suggest that Bautista is the wrestler-turned-actor to watch, despite his recent inconsistency.

      While we know Johnson can effectively portray a hulking, stoic character, whether with or without humor, he hasn't really opened up to offer a complex, layered performance. Enter Benny Safdie. One half of the Safdie brothers, Benny is venturing out to write and direct The Smashing Machine, based on ex-MMA champion Mark Kerr. Safdie, along with his brother, previously revitalized Robert Pattinson's career and delivered a career-best performance from Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems. In this new project, Johnson will portray a real-life figure in what promises to be a gritty, no-holds-barred biopic for A24.

      This opportunity is sure to push Johnson’s abilities, and I believe he can deliver one of his best performances yet. If the large-scale blockbuster films are no longer yielding the same returns, Johnson might look to undertake smaller, more compelling projects. This is where the concept of a "Rocknaissance" becomes particularly exciting, especially with a potential lead role in one of Martin Scorsese’s anticipated projects.

      Set to feature in a gangster epic based in Hawaii alongside Emily Blunt and Leonardo DiCaprio, this could be Dwayne Johnson's biggest breakout as a serious actor. Scorsese has a remarkable track record for eliciting strong performances. This role might allow Johnson to explore a darker, more intriguing character as a Hawaiian mob boss. If Safdie and Scorsese can’t elevate Johnson’s range, then it’s hard to say who can. Furthermore, despite many of his blockbusters being formulaic, this new project will provide him with the chance to collaborate with genuine auteurs, fostering the creation of exceptional films. He has also been linked to a Robert