Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is known not just for his impressive physique and action-packed roles, but also for his remarkable dedication to his craft. In a recently published cover story with GQ, which aired on Monday, Johnson addressed various aspects of his work ethic and some rumors surrounding his behavior on the set of his upcoming holiday film, “Red One.”
The article partly corroborates a recent report from The Wrap that made headlines by claiming Johnson had a habit of “peeing in a bottle” while filming, due to the demanding schedule that sometimes left him little time for breaks. When directly asked about this unusual practice, Johnson candidly admitted, “Yeah. That happens.” This admission highlights the intense nature of film production, especially in the fast-paced world of Hollywood.
Additionally, The Wrap had reported that Johnson was notoriously late to the set, at times by as much as eight hours. While Johnson acknowledged that he had indeed been late on occasion, he quickly disputed the severity of those claims, stating, “Not that amount. That was a bananas amount. That’s crazy. Ridiculous.” His defense suggests that while he may occasionally run behind schedule, the reported delays are exaggerated.
In April, The Wrap’s reporting indicated that Johnson’s tardiness, combined with the inexperience of some producers, had led to costly delays in the production of “Red One,” reportedly resulting in a staggering $250 million in excess expenses. Both Johnson and representatives from Amazon MGM, the studio behind the film, had previously denied these allegations, defending the integrity of the production process.
Jake Kasdan, the director of “Red One,” who has collaborated with Johnson on several projects, including the successful “Jumanji” franchise, came to the actor’s defense during the interview. Kasdan emphasized Johnson’s reliability, stating, “He never missed a day of work ever. He has a lot going on. He can be late sometimes, but such is Hollywood.” This perspective offers insight into the pressures and chaotic schedules often faced by actors in the industry.
Additionally, co-star Chris Evans praised Johnson for his professionalism. He noted that compared to other actors he has worked with, who may lack awareness of their impact on the collective efforts of the crew, Johnson consistently proves himself to be dependable. “We all know exactly what he’s going to do when he’s going to do it,” Evans remarked, highlighting the predictability and reliability that Johnson brings to the set.
Evans also shared a heartwarming anecdote about a tradition on set called “$5 Fridays,” where crew members contribute to a raffle pot. In a striking display of generosity, Johnson once significantly boosted the pot’s value. Evans recalled that the amount was around four thousand dollars when filming began, to which Johnson responded, “Let’s call it 20,” effectively multiplying the prize by five. According to Evans, Johnson had raised the jackpot on multiple occasions, ultimately contributing to a total that he estimated could be “close to a hundred thousand dollars.”
The film “Red One,” which is attracting significant attention, features Johnson in the role of Callum Drift, the head of security at the North Pole, alongside Chris Evans as bounty hunter Jack O’Malley and J.K. Simmons portraying an old St. Nick. This holiday-themed action comedy is set to premiere on Friday, presenting audiences with a unique blend of festive spirit and adventure.
