Dwayne Johnson Reveals His Unexpected Childhood Film Crush
Dwayne Johnson opens up about the surprising screen icon who first captured his imagination, sharing a candid story that few would have predicted.
Over the years, Dwayne Johnson has found himself in the company of some of the most recognisable faces in the film industry. From sharing scenes with Emily Blunt and Gal Gadot to sparring wits with Karen Gillan, his on-screen partnerships have been nothing short of star-studded. Yet, when asked to name the performer who first truly captivated him, Johnson’s answer veers off the well-trodden path of Hollywood glamour.
During a recent chat, the former wrestling star was put on the spot: who was his earliest film crush? There was no lengthy pause, no weighing up of options. Instead, he offered a name that would likely catch most off guard—Gene Wilder. Best remembered for his turn as the whimsical chocolatier in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’, Wilder’s gentle eccentricity clearly left a mark on a young Johnson.
Not the Obvious Choice
It’s easy to imagine Johnson, with his action-hero credentials, gravitating towards the usual suspects—perhaps a classic leading lady or a contemporary icon. But his admiration for Wilder, he explained, stemmed from something less tangible than looks or bravado. There was, he said, a certain quality that set Wilder apart, a subtlety that drew him in even as a child.
Reflecting on his early influences, Johnson recalled his fondness for Richard Pryor and Elvis Presley, both of whom he idolised growing up. Yet it was through watching ‘Stir Crazy’ that he first noticed Wilder’s unique presence. The real turning point, though, came with ‘Willy Wonka’, a film that, for many, is synonymous with childhood wonder. For Johnson, it was more than that—it was a window into a different kind of charisma.
Captivated by Wilder’s Soul
Johnson didn’t mince words when describing what set Wilder apart.
“My cinematic crush would have been – I don't mean this in a weird way [chuckles] – I was just always so enamoured with Gene Wilder. Interestingly enough, first, because I always loved Richard Pryor growing up. I loved Richard Pryor. I loved Elvis. I thought I was both when I was a kid. And then I watched Stir Crazy and there was something about Gene, and I was like, 'Wow.' And then when I saw Willy Wonka... I think Willy Wonka was the thing that really grabbed me about Gene Wilder. I think it was the tenderness in his soul. And I don't know if I was thinking that when I was 10 years old, but there was just something captivating.”
It wasn’t the outlandish costumes or the fantastical setting that did it. Instead, Johnson found himself drawn to the understated warmth Wilder brought to his roles. That sense of vulnerability, he suggested, was what made the performance linger in his memory long after the credits rolled.
Lasting Impressions
For someone whose own career has been defined by larger-than-life characters and blockbuster spectacle, Johnson’s choice speaks volumes. It’s a reminder that the most enduring influences often come from unexpected places. Wilder’s gentle approach, his ability to convey emotion without fanfare, clearly resonated with Johnson in a way that has stuck with him ever since.
In a world where cinematic crushes are usually reserved for the obvious heartthrobs, Johnson’s pick stands out—not just for its unpredictability, but for the genuine affection behind it. Sometimes, it’s the quietest performances that leave the loudest echoes.