Dwayne Johnson Credits Brendan Fraser for Launching His Hollywood Career: “You Really Changed My Life”

In an emotional reunion that has warmed hearts across Hollywood, Dwayne Johnson publicly thanked Brendan Fraser for taking a chance on him 24 years ago and helping launch his acting career. Speaking on Variety’s Actors on Actors, the superstar reflected on Fraser’s pivotal role in securing him the part of the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns—a decision he says “changed my life forever.”

A Career-Changing Risk: How Fraser Helped The Rock Break Into Movies

Back in 2001, Johnson was known globally as WWE’s The Rock, but he had never acted on camera. When casting began for The Mummy Returns, the studio, director Stephen Sommers, and Universal executives told him one thing:

“We need to talk to Brendan first.”

Dwayne Johnson revealed that Brendan Fraser had the power to approve—or reject—his casting. Had Fraser voiced doubts about the wrestler-turned-aspiring actor, the role could have gone to someone else. Instead, Fraser offered his full support and “welcomed him with open arms.”

Johnson told Fraser: “You took a risk on me. I had never acted before. That kicked off my entire career.”

The sequel not only became a box office hit—it introduced Johnson to audiences worldwide and led to the 2002 spin-off The Scorpion King, officially launching his multi-billion-dollar Hollywood career.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Brendan Fraser in ‘The Mummy’

Brendan Fraser: The Quiet Kingmaker of Hollywood

Fraser, visibly moved, said he believed Johnson was the perfect choice: “That is inspired casting. We’d be lucky to get the guy.”

But Johnson is not the only A-lister Fraser has helped along the way. Throughout the ’90s, Fraser starred alongside up-and-coming talent like:

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (School Ties, 1992)

Adam Sandler and Steve Buscemi (Airheads, 1994)

Fraser’s charisma and box office pull helped elevate these stars early in their careers, further cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most generous colleagues.

Could Johnson Join Fraser in The Mummy 4? Fans Are Buzzing

With Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz confirmed for The Mummy 4—a legacy sequel that ignores both The Mummy 3 and the Tom Cruise reboot—fans are now speculating whether Johnson might reprise his iconic role.

While the Scorpion King’s story was completed decades ago, Hollywood has revived more impossible characters before. Johnson’s heartfelt reunion with Fraser has only intensified speculation.

A well-written script, industry insiders say, could easily bring the Scorpion King back.