Dwayne Johnson Reveals How Brendan Fraser Helped His Acting Career

Dwayne Johnson reflected on his early days in Hollywood during a recent appearance on the New Heights podcast. The hosts asked him about one of his first major projects, The Mummy Returns, starring Brendan Fraser, and the people who played a key role in helping him find his footing. Johnson shared how that early experience influenced the direction of his acting career.

Dwayne Johnson recalls working with Brendan Fraser on The Mummy Returns

Speaking on the New Heights podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, Dwayne Johnson reflected on working with Brendan Fraser during The Mummy Returns, calling him “one of the biggest stars in the world” at the time.

“That was his franchise,” Johnson said. “I am coming in, I have never acted before, I’m excited. He could have easily said, ‘I don’t know if I want this wrestler,’” However, Johnson added, Fraser “embraced me.” He continued, “I love that man for that, and he helped kick off my career.”

Johnson made his screen debut in 2001 as the Scorpion King, appearing in about “five minutes total in the movie.” Despite the small role, he said he was “so excited at the opportunity.” The success of The Mummy Returns led to Johnson’s first leading role in the 2002 spin-off The Scorpion King, which marked the beginning of his film career after his championship run in the WWF (now WWE), where he had already become a household name as “The Rock.”

Fraser, now experiencing his own resurgence after The Whale, has continued to support Johnson’s work. In an interview with PEOPLE at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Fraser said, “Dwayne, he’s a really great guy, and it’s gonna be exciting to watch him emerge from this. I predict you’ll be seeing a lot more of him on these red carpets in the days to come.”

Johnson also celebrated Fraser’s comeback in 2022, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “He supported me coming into his Mummy Returns franchise for my first ever role, which kicked off my Hollywood career. Rooting for all your success, brother.”

Both actors have expressed admiration for each other’s journeys, maintaining mutual respect more than two decades after their collaboration.

Source: Comingsoon.net