Dwayne Johnson Faces Criticism in GQ Interview

In a revealing interview with GQ, Dwayne Johnson opened up about the tumultuous allegations surrounding his on-set behavior, particularly the claims of chronic tardiness that rocked Hollywood earlier this year. Reports from The Wrap suggested that Johnson’s behavior had driven the budget of his Christmas film, “Red One,” to an astounding $250 million, with insiders claiming he sometimes arrived up to eight hours late for filming.

Johnson's Response to Allegations

Johnson addressed these claims head-on, stating, "Yeah, that happens... But not that amount, by the way. That was a bananas amount. That’s crazy. Ridiculous." The actor admitted to using water bottles as makeshift toilets to avoid wasting time rushing to restrooms, further illustrating the demanding nature of film production schedules. "Yeah. That happens… I’ve said a thousand times: ‘Hey, I’m here. Come and ask me. And I’ll tell you the truth,’” he added, showcasing his willingness to communicate openly despite the controversy.

Support from Colleagues

However, the “Black Adam” star wasn’t about to let the chatter get to him. He dismissed the uproar as “bullshit,” and his colleagues echoed his sentiments. Director Jake Kasdan defended Johnson, reiterating that the actor has never missed a day of work and emphasizing that late arrivals are a common occurrence in Hollywood. "He can be late sometimes, but such is Hollywood — that’s the case with everybody,” Kasdan remarked. "Honestly, I’ve made three big movies with him. I’ve never seen him be anything but great to every single person on the set."

Chris Evans' Perspective

Chris Evans, Johnson’s co-star, also stood by him, noting, “In terms of the guy that I saw, compared to some of the things I’ve seen on other movies with other actors... I found Dwayne to be — we all know exactly what he’s going to do when he’s going to do it.” He highlighted how Johnson’s commitment to a morning workout, before arriving on set, was known and understood by the entire production team.

Anecdotes of Generosity

To further allay concerns, Evans shared a heartwarming anecdote about Johnson’s generosity. On one occasion, while filming, Johnson spontaneously increased a crew prize pool from $4,000 to over $50,000, which brought the crew to their feet with excitement. "I think on one Friday, Dwayne gave away something like close to a hundred thousand dollars," Evans recounted, showcasing Johnson's larger-than-life personality and surprising the hard-working crew.

Conclusion: Complexity of Hollywood

As Hollywood grapples with changing norms around conduct and scheduling, Johnson's candid comments reveal not just the pressures of the film industry but also the heart and generosity that can exist behind the scenes. As fans eagerly await “Red One,” they can also appreciate the complex realities of filmmaking, along with moments of kindness that sometimes outweigh the chaos. Stay tuned as Dwayne continues to navigate star power and the myriad challenges that come with it!