Dwayne Johnson to Play Manipulative Guru in A24’s Thriller ‘Breakthrough’

Following his transformative role in ‘The Smashing Machine,’ Johnson continues his dramatic evolution in ‘Breakthrough,’ portraying a charismatic yet morally ambiguous motivational speaker.

After his critically anticipated performance in A24’s The Smashing Machine, where he portrays MMA legend Mark Kerr, Dwayne Johnson is set to delve deeper into complex characters. Sources reveal that Johnson will co-star in Breakthrough, a psychological thriller penned by emerging talent Zeke Goodman.

Set against the backdrop of early 2000s Southern California, Breakthrough follows an alienated young man who becomes entangled with a charismatic motivational guru. This figure’s alluring charm conceals manipulative tactics and a hidden darkness. Johnson is slated to portray this enigmatic guru, marking a significant departure from his typical roles.

The project is currently in the pre-production phase, with casting for the lead and other supporting roles underway. While a director has yet to be attached, A24 will produce and finance the film. Stacey Sher’s Shiny Penny Productions will collaborate with Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, alongside executive producers Jacob Epstein and Justin Wolf of Lighthouse Management and Media.

Johnson’s involvement in Breakthrough signifies his ongoing commitment to exploring more nuanced and challenging roles. Earlier this year, he announced Ripped, an adaptation of Joe Ballarini’s short story, and is set to star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt in an untitled Hawaiian crime film directed by Martin Scorsese.

Zeke Goodman, known for his performances in Amazon’s reboots of I Know What You Did Last Summer and Cruel Intentions, brings his multifaceted experience as a writer, director, and actor to Breakthrough. His collaboration with Johnson and A24 is anticipated to yield a compelling addition to the psychological thriller genre.

Breakthrough is poised to continue Johnson’s trajectory into more profound and introspective storytelling, reflecting his desire to “make films that matter” and challenge himself in new artistic directions.