Screen Rant learned about Dwayne Johnson’s new movie at D23 2024: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and I was definitely not expecting anything like the announcement that Disney made. Dwayne Johnson has been a long-time collaborator with Disney, with movies like The Game Plan, Race to Witch Mountain and Jungle Cruise on his resume. His most famous Disney role is, of course, the demi-god Maui from Moana, a role he will reprise for both Moana 2 and the live-action version of Moana.

In a groundbreaking move, Disney and Seven Bucks Productions, the content label founded by Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia, entered into a multi-year agreement to develop movies for both theatrical and streaming purposes, per Variety. It’s a sensible move for both parties; Disney gets an A-List star at its disposal, and Dwayne Johnson gets the creative backing of the entire Disney Corporation. Screen Rant learned that the first of the potential projects to come out of that June 2024 deal is a live adaptation of Monster Jam, the monster truck competition and traveling attraction.

Dwayne Johnson’s Monster Jam Movie For Disney Is Surprising

He will (in theory) be the star of the movie

Monster Jam historically features colorfully designed (and named) monster trucks, like Kraken, Carolina Crusher, and Grave Digger, competing in freestyle and traditional racing competitions on dirt tracks. The appeal to Disney is obvious, considering the potential merchandising opportunities and the level of action they can inject into a Monster Jam movie. Putting a massive star like Dwayne Johnson behind the wheel of a massive monster truck seems like a no-brainer, but in some ways it’s surprising that Disney moved in that direction.

The initial speculation upon the announcement of Disney’s deal with Dwayne Johnson and Seven Bucks Productions was that Disney would use his star power to elevate existing IP via sequels or remakes. Johnson already has a history of doing that for franchises, as he led a new wave of movies for the Jumanji, Fast and Furious, and G.I. Joe franchises. Therefore, developing something entirely new for Johnson to star is unexpected, especially with Disney’s current focus on sequels to beloved franchises.

Why Disney’s Monster Jam Movie Is A Good Sign For Dwayne Johnson

He isn’t simply being inserted into existing franchises

The fact that Disney committed to a long-term deal with Dwayne Johnson and immediately threw him into something new should be considered a positive step forward. Disney and Pixar have been under scrutiny for their reliance on sequels, and more are on the way. With Dreamworks Animation and Illumination dominating much of the last six or seven years at the box office, it makes sense for Disney to want to turn to reliable franchises and stars to ensure profitability. Dwayne Johnson would seem like the perfect avatar for that concept; he’s a bankable, cross-demographic over star and box office draw.

However, the D23 news about Dwayne Johnson being cast in a Monster Jam movie proves that he isn’t there just to juice up sequels. Especially given the infamy of his last attempt at a big franchise, DC’s Black Adam, Dwayne Johnson could also use the creative caliber of Disney to get back to the top of the box office. The announcement at D23 2024: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event about the Monster Jam movie is a great sign for Johnson considering that Disney is already moving forward with an original movie concept for him, even if it is an adaptation.