Dwayne Johnson’s £80 Million Payday Didn’t Come From Film
Dwayne Johnson’s latest blockbuster may have underperformed, but his bank balance is soaring thanks to a surprising source. Discover how the star’s earnings have reached new heights.
Renowned for his dual careers in acting and wrestling, Dwayne Johnson has reportedly seen his fortune swell by an astonishing £80 million. Contrary to what some might expect, this windfall did not originate from his recent cinematic venture, The Smashing Machine, which failed to make a significant impact at the box office. Instead, the sum is said to have come from his ongoing association with WWE, where he continues to make appearances on a part-time basis.
WWE Contract Brings in a Fortune
According to recent commentary, Johnson’s contract with WWE has proven exceptionally lucrative.
I haven’t calculated what Dwayne’s probably fixing on—80 million dollars over… this will be the end of the second year of that deal. Because he signed that deal on… was it January 3rd, 2024? Right. So two years—80 million dollars, roughly. Unbelievable.
The figure, it’s noted, does not even account for additional income from merchandise sales or special event appearances, such as WrestleMania, which are believed to add several more million to his already impressive earnings.
Film Salary: A Notable Exception
While Johnson is typically among the highest-paid actors in the industry, his fee for The Smashing Machine was a marked departure from his usual rates. Reports indicate he accepted a payment of $4 million for the project, a significant reduction from his standard $20 million-plus per film. It’s even been suggested that he shared a portion of this fee with co-stars Emily Blunt and Kerr.
The production itself cost around $50 million, with tax incentives from Vancouver and New Mexico helping to offset expenses. Despite this, the film’s global box office takings have barely reached $21 million, making it a commercial disappointment. Nevertheless, critical reception has been rather positive, with a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 74% audience score. On IMDb, the film holds a 6.4 out of 10 rating.
Johnson’s Wealth and Hollywood Earnings
Estimates place Johnson’s net worth at a remarkable $800 million, a figure bolstered by his substantial stake in Teremana Tequila, currently valued at around $2 billion. His earnings from the entertainment sector remain among the highest globally.
Over the years, Johnson’s film salaries have steadily increased. For instance, he received $5.5 million for The Scorpion King in 2001, rising to $12.5 million for The Rundown and $15 million for Walking Tall. More recent projects have seen him command $20 million or more, with Jumanji: The Next Level and Red Notice both earning him $23.5 million. His role in Red One reportedly brought in a staggering $50 million.
Despite the underwhelming performance of his latest film, Johnson’s financial standing remains robust, thanks in large part to his wrestling commitments and shrewd business ventures.