Actor Dwayne Johnson AKA The Rock, must have realized he’d definitely made it to the A list when filmmakers of the movie Rampage were willing to change the ending to appease the star. After reading the script, Johnson knew the ending of the film had to be changed. After decades of building a loyal fan base, first as a professional wrestle and more recently as an actor, Johnson knows what his fans expect, and he wasn’t about to let them down with a sad ending.
SPOILER ALERT: Originally George was going to die.
Speaking with Rolling Stone, Johnson discussed his initial reaction to reading the script, saying:
So the script comes in, and I’m reading it. And at the end of it – George dies! I’m like, ‘No. Did I miss something? George can’t be dead.’ But I go back, and yeah.
Take note Hollywood, George isn’t dying while The Rock is on watch. Johnson went on to discuss how the changes came about:
I don’t like a sad ending,. Life brings that shit – I don’t want it in my movies. When the credits roll, I want to feel great. We [Filmmakers] had a big meeting where they gave me all the reasons they thought George should die. He sacrifices himself saving the world. Killing these animals who had ill intentions to harm mankind. He sacrifices himself like a brave soldier. OK. But this is a movie! There’s a crocodile the size of a football stadium – we’re not making Saving Private Ryan…
For years I’ve built a trust with them that they’re [Fans] gonna come to my movies and feel good. So every once in a while, you have to drop this card, which is: You’re gonna have to find another actor. We need to figure something out, otherwise I’m not gonna do the movie.
The public is certainly glad Johnson didn’t quit the film. Rampage is currently number 1 at the box office.
True movie stars can “open” a film of any quality simply by having their name above the title. Dwayne Johnson proved himself as one over the weekend. https://t.co/2Hykd8KcJt
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 15, 2018
You’ve made RAMPAGE the #1 MOVIE IN THE WORLD in virtually every territory on the planet.
I’m… https://t.co/XDfVABnpjP— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 17, 2018
Fans are loving the film.
My 7year old Ansh loved George and your conversations so much that he insists we talk in sign language now help me @TheRock #Rampage
— Dipannita G Biswas (@dipannitagb) April 18, 2018
Awesome movie.. Who needs Godzilla Vs King Kong.. #ILoveGeorge and #Jumanji is still at cinema.. bring on skyscraper. You rock (awful pun intended) pic.twitter.com/QbY4N8A35w
— madra te ️ (@SdtwelveSteve) April 17, 2018
Just finish watch #Rampage best movie ever @TheRock keep up the amazing work pic.twitter.com/FuNmTI5nRS
— Mikah Moodley (@MikahMoodley) April 17, 2018
Because it was a Rampage kind of night ❤ and she said it all with the two thumbs up #rampageamustsee#yourock pic.twitter.com/wxihttLWvh
— Mina (@LAwoman74) April 18, 2018
If the kids love it then it’s good enough for us!
H/T: Uproxx