D23 Unveils 2026 Disney Legends Honorees Celebrating Iconic Contributors to Disney’s Legacy
Dwayne Johnson has built a career on continual reinvention. He turned early setbacks into a remarkable entertainment journey.
Early life and wrestling breakthrough
Johnson grew up in a nomadic household with financial instability. At 23, he had just seven dollars and a failed football dream.
He chose professional wrestling despite his father’s objections and his mother’s support. He became the most popular and successful wrestler of his era.
Transition to film and box office success
He made his film debut in 2001 in The Mummy Returns. His first leading role followed in 2002 with The Scorpion King.
Johnson has appeared in more than 40 films. His films have grossed over $15 billion globally, placing him among the top five box-office stars.
Selected film credits
- The Rundown (2003)
- Walking Tall (2004)
- Be Cool (2005)
- Gridiron Gang (2006)
- The Game Plan (2007)
- Get Smart (2008)
- Pain and Gain (2013)
- San Andreas (2015)
- Central Intelligence (2016)
- Jumanji reboot (2017) and sequels
- Skyscraper (2018)
- Fighting with My Family (2019)
- Jungle Cruise (2021)
- Red Notice (2021)
- Black Adam (2022)
- Red One (2024)
- Zootopia 2 (2025)
Awards and critical recognition
Johnson transformed physically for a career-redefining role as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. The process used more than 20 prosthetics and four hours of makeup daily.
The film earned an Academy Award nomination for Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling. Johnson received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama.
Producing, writing, and business ventures
He co-founded Seven Bucks Productions to produce film, television, and digital projects. The company expanded his creative control behind the camera.
Johnson wrote a memoir that reached No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list. He has also pursued philanthropic and entrepreneurial projects.
Disney work and industry recognition
He voiced the demigod Maui in Disney’s Moana. He returned for Moana 2, which grossed more than $1 billion worldwide.
Johnson will reprise Maui for the live-action Moana, slated for Summer 2026. D23 events and Disney Legends ceremonies salute those who shaped Disney’s legacy.
At D23 gatherings, 2026 honorees were celebrated as iconic contributors. His Disney roles tie him to that tradition of honored artists.
Upcoming projects
Johnson will reunite with director Benny Safdie for Lizard Music. He will play an eccentric septuagenarian called Chicken Man, from Daniel Pinkwater’s novel.
He is collaborating with Martin Scorsese on a screen adaptation of his true-crime book. The book was co-written with Nick Bilton and centers on Wilford “Nappy” Pulawa.
Johnson will star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt, with Blunt joining him as a producer. He is also attached to Darren Aronofsky’s untitled psychological thriller at A24.
