In an exciting development for film fans, acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky is reportedly in talks to direct Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a new A24 feature titled Breakthrough. Known for his emotionally intense and visually haunting films, Aronofsky is eyeing a return to the indie studio behind his Oscar-winning drama The Whale, this time teaming up with one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars for a film that promises to be anything but typical.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Breakthrough will take place in turn-of-the-millennium Southern California and center around a young, disaffected man who falls under the influence of a magnetic motivational guru. But beneath the surface charm and inspiring words lies a more sinister truth—manipulation, moral ambiguity, and a darkness that slowly comes to light.
While Dwayne Johnson is not the central figure of the story, he is reportedly set to play a key supporting role. This marks a significant shift for the actor, who has long been associated with blockbuster action films and family-friendly fare like Jumanji, Jungle Cruise, and Red One. Johnson’s involvement in Breakthrough highlights his growing interest in collaborating with visionary directors and exploring more complex, dramatic roles.
The film is being penned by actor-writer Zeke Goodman and produced by A24, the studio famous for backing bold and unconventional stories. Goodman’s script appears to promise a psychologically rich narrative—something that fits squarely within Aronofsky’s wheelhouse. From Black Swan to Requiem for a Dream, Aronofsky has a reputation for pushing his characters to their emotional limits, and Breakthrough seems poised to do the same.
Production will be handled by Stacey Sher through her Shiny Penny Productions, with Johnson and his longtime producing partner Dany Garcia producing under their Seven Bucks Productions banner. Jacob Epstein and Justin Wolf will also be on board as executive producers via Lighthouse Management and Media.
This won’t be Johnson’s first collaboration with A24. The former WWE superstar is set to star in The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, which is scheduled to hit theaters in October. That film, which explores the brutal world of underground MMA fighting, has already stirred buzz for showcasing a more raw and gritty performance from Johnson, who is clearly pushing his acting boundaries.
Breakthrough also comes amid reports that Johnson will appear in a star-studded Hawaii-set mob drama directed by none other than Martin Scorsese, alongside Emily Blunt and Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s clear that Johnson is entering a new phase of his career—one that involves deeper characters, more auteur-driven projects, and a desire to prove his range as an actor.
Meanwhile, Darren Aronofsky is also gearing up for the release of his next crime thriller, Caught Stealing, further cementing his prolific return to directing.
With Breakthrough bringing together a powerhouse director, an evolving megastar, and the creative force of A24, this is a film that already feels like a must-watch for 2025 and beyond.