Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is working on a video game movie, with a new rumor claiming it will be Activision’s Call of Duty.
Johnson recently hinted at being involved with a video game movie in an interview with Men’s Journal. “I’ve always been a big Madden fan,” Johnson explained. “I can’t tell you which game in particular we’re doing, but there will be an announcement this year.”
“We’re going to bring one of the biggest, most badass games to the screen—one that I’ve played for years,” Johnson teased. “I’m really excited to bring it to fans around the world. Of course we’re going to do right by our gamer friends—but really we’re just going to make a great movie.”
Following this claim, Giant Freakin Robot claims via an inside source that Johnson is in talks to make a Call of Duty movie. Faith McKay writes, “Dwayne Johnson is currently in talks with studios about making a Call of Duty movie.”
Details about the film’s potential plot were not known, though the series has a plethora of stories to choose from if this rumor is true. The games have tackled everything from World War II, to real and fictitious modern-day conflicts, to future warfare with high-tech gadgets and arms.
Activision were reportedly talking about creating their own cinematic universe around the Call of Duty franchise in 2015. By mid-2020 however, Activision stated movies were no longer their priority.
In addition to this, Activision Blizzard faced nigh-monthly controversy since July 2021. They were sued for sexual harassment and discrimination by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
Blizzard staff staged multiple walk outs in support of the company’s accusers, with Call of Duty: Warzone testers later walking out over 30% of their colleagues abruptly being laid off.
The latter may explain why Warzone has seen major criticism against it being “littered with hackers and bugs” and “
RELATED: Activision Apologizes For, Removes Depiction Of Torn-Up Quran Seen In Call Of Duty: Vanguard
All of this makes it surprising that Johnson would want to be involved with Activision. However, Activision Blizzard is in the process of being acquired by Microsoft for $68.7 billion.
If Johnson had any concerns working with a controversial company and franchise, Microsoft’s involvement may have helped convince him there would be changes for the better. Likewise, Giant Freakin Robot proposes the buyout could be why Activision is interested in films again.
This is not the first time Johnson has been involved with video game films. 2018 saw him in Rampage. The film made over $428 million, and was somewhat well received by audiences [1, 2] if not by critics.
On Rotten Tomatoes the film received a 51% Rotten Tomatometer score from critics and a 72% Audience Score.
2005 saw Johnson in Doom. Loathed by fans, critics, and general audiences alike; the film bombed in its opening weekend, and to date is still $2 million shy of recouping its $60 million budget.
It had a Tomatometer score of 18% and an abysmal 34% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Johnson was also recently revealed as The Foundation in Fortnite, and will be starring in Black Adam on July 29th, 2022.
Would you want a Call of Duty movie with Dwayne Johnson? What could set it apart from being just a military action flick? Would it need to be? Let us know on social media and in the comments below!