Brandon Sanderson Defends Dwayne Johnson's Acting Skills

Fantasy author Brandon Sanderson stepped up to defend Dwayne Johnson's acting chops during a recent podcast on his YouTube channel. The bestselling writer pushed back against critics who dismiss The Rock as a one-note performer, arguing that Johnson has found his sweet spot and deserves more credit.

"I keep pointing out, I say, The Rock is a good actor. The Rock has found a persona that people really like, that is successful, and he often acts that character, but people are too hard on The Rock," Sanderson explained.

Johnson Shows Range Beyond His Physicality

Critics often slam Johnson for recycling the same character across different movies. But Sanderson sees something different. He believes the actor possesses genuine range that lets audiences forget about his massive frame when the role demands it.

Take Jumanji, for example. "I think even things like Jumanji, he's showing a lot of range, and if you watch this clip, you'll be like, 'Wow, he plays a befuddled nerd, and you can almost forget that it's a man who has biceps the size of my head, who is playing the befuddled nerd. He's good," the author noted.

Despite recent box office disappointments, Johnson keeps choosing projects that matter to him personally. After years of big-budget action spectacles, he's now exploring smaller, more intimate films.

Hollywood's Typecasting Problem

Johnson himself has spoken about how the industry boxes actors into specific categories. At the Venice Film Festival, he opened up about the pressure to stay in his lane.

"It can push you into a corner and category – 'This is your lane, this is what you do, and this is what people want you to be, and this is what Hollywood wants you to be,'" Johnson told reporters.

The former wrestler doesn't regret his blockbuster years. But he admits that being typecast made it tough to explore other sides of his talent. His latest project, The Smashing Machine, represents a major departure from his usual fare.

Golden Globe Recognition Validates New Direction

Johnson's dramatic turn in The Smashing Machine earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. Critics praised his vulnerable performance, calling it a revelation.

The sports biopic bombed at theaters but showcased Johnson's potential beyond action hero roles. Working on the film scared him in the best way possible, forcing him to dig deep emotionally.

The movie scored 70% on Rotten Tomatoes and was distributed by A24. Director Benny Safdie guided Johnson through his most challenging performance to date, which hit theaters on October 3, 2025.

Fans can expect more indie projects from The Rock as he continues proving his dramatic chops. His Golden Globe nod might just be the beginning of a whole new chapter in his career.