Dwayne Johnson may be at the top of the Hollywood A-List, but despite his popularity, his latest films have failed to generate much enthusiasm or revenue, but that is all set to change thanks to Jumanji 4 finally setting a release date. Johnson’s career has taken him to the extremes in terms of performances. Initially, he started out as a professional wrestler, where he grew his audience and became a popular athlete. However, his first foray into film, with his silent role as the monster in The Mummy Returns was less than spectacular.

However, Johnson pushed forward, and within a short span, he became a popular and credible actor in his own rite. His physique clearly made him a good fit for action roles and playing the hero, but Johnson also refined his ability to deliver emotional and compelling performances. And then, he found a niche as a comedy action star. But for the last several years, Johnson’s acting career has been slower than usual, with the actor returning to work in the wrestling space once again.

The Rock Has Been In A Box Office Slump For Years

It’s Been A Slow Several Years For Dwayne Johnson

Teth-Adam on his throne in Black Adam Black Adam fighting Hawkman in Black Adam
John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson) pointing at something in the jungle in Red Notice John Hartley staring at a golden egg in Red Notice Dwayne Johnson's Frank looking sternly in Jungle Cruise

After the last Jumanji movie managed to rake in an incredible nearly $800 million at the box office in 2019 (via The Numbers), Johnson had a string of tough luck in the movie space. Disney projected they’d have a big hit on their hands with Jungle Cruise, a movie based on one of the park rides that could have expanded in a similar way to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, but the film only just recovered their total production budget at the box office (via The Numbers), which meant the plans to expand the franchise were put on the back burner.

Jumanji: The Next Level was another hit at the box office for Sony Pictures and a sequel is on the way. Here’s what we know so far about Jumanji 4.

Then, Johnson starred in Red Notice alongside two other action giants, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, but the film was critically panned earning a measly 37% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. Then, in 2022, Johnson went all in on the marketing and promotion for Black Adam, a movie that he hoped would revive the struggling DCEU, and he even managed to get Henry Cavill back after many years away from the franchise. But, despite doubling their production budget at the box office (via The Numbers), the movie was released just weeks before the death of the DCEU was announced, and James Gunn was hired as the co-CEO of DC Studios.

Jumanji 4 Should Be A Guaranteed Hit For Dwayne Johnson

Jumanji Is A Multi Billion Dollar Franchise

Dwayne Johnson looking to the side in Jumanji Next Level Jack Black, Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan standing together in Jumanji Mouse, Dr. Braveheart, and Ruby look off in the distance while Shelly looks at a map. The Rock as Dr. Bravestone looking surprised in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Dwayne Johnson stands with cast in Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle

 With so much bad luck, it was no wonder that the actor took a step back from Hollywood and put all his efforts into reviving his wrestling career. However, with the announcement of Jumanji 4 set to release in 2026, it’s as close as possible to a guaranteed hit for the star. The first movie is a beloved classic from 1995, which was later revived in 2017 with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The film and its basic plot lent itself to a revival because of the game, which could be played by anyone, and with an updated video game setting, it became an instant hit.

With so much bad luck, it was no wonder that the actor took a step back from Hollywood and put all his efforts into reviving his wrestling career.

Likewise, the sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level continued to build on the success of the original and delight fans everywhere. So, while no movie is ever a 100% guarantee to strike big at the box office, it’s highly likely that Jumanji 4 will exceed $500 million, and very likely get closer to the billion dollar mark upon its release. And while the profitability of a movie is not the only factor worth considering, it certainly helps the actors involved.

The Rock Could Have Several Hits Across The Next Few Years

Dwayne Johnson Has Some Huge Hits Coming

Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift and Chris Evans as Jack O'Malley in Red One Dwayne Johnson looking serious in a forest in Red One Maui using his magical hook in Moana 2 Moana and Maui gazing upwards, astonished at something in the sky in Moana 2 Nick Jonas, Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan and Awkwafina all looking serious and concerned at something in Jumanji The Next Level

As of November 2024, Dwayne Johnson is currently tied to 13 separate projects set to be released in the next few years (via IMDb). His last leading role in a film was back in 2022, with Black Adam, but now, after a brief hiatus, the actor is set to appear in Moana 2 and Red One in late 2024. In addition to a live-action version of Moana, where he will again reprise his role as Maui and which is set to release in 2026. In 2025, he will star in the biopic, The Smashing Machine, which could garner the star some critical acclaim.

The Jumanji franchise has been going on for decades now, and here are how to watch all four films in release order and in chronological order.

 Then the graft continues into 2026, with Jumanji 4, the live-action Moana, and Fast X: Part 2 being just a few of the other upcoming titles on his slate. With so many upcoming projects, and several tied to hit franchises or set to be a big move forward for Dwayne Johnson’s career, there is a lot to look forward to. But among them, Jumanji 4 stands to be one of the potential biggest live-action hits in the next couple of years, helping to get The Rock back on top.