Dwayne Johnson has revealed that he has been working towards making his Broadway debut for several years, but scheduling conflicts have repeatedly delayed the project.
Speaking to People, the actor said he has spent the past two-and-a-half to three years developing a Broadway production alongside longtime friend and frequent co-star Kevin Hart.
“For the past two and a half to three years, we have been working on my Broadway debut,” Johnson said. “I’m revealing it now because it’s tequila talking.”
Johnson says the pair had planned to star in a new adaptation of Neil Simon’s classic play The Odd Couple, with Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller attached to the project. However, Hart’s packed schedule has made it impossible to move forward.
“We should’ve been great. Kevin is my best friend. I love him to death, and the truth is he’s so booked for the next three to five years,” Johnson said. “That’s his schedule, that’s a reality. I totally get it. And I love it and I respect him for that.”
Johnson and Hart have shared the screen in several films, including Central Intelligence, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level. The duo will reunite later this year in Jumanji: Open World, the latest instalment of the adventure franchise, which is set for release on Christmas Day.
Despite the setback, Johnson said he has no intention of abandoning his Broadway ambitions and is open to pursuing the opportunity with or without Hart.
“So we’ll see, but maybe it’s The Odd Couple with Jeffrey. I don’t know, maybe it’s a musical and I could run around singing in keys that don’t exist,” he joked. “I might do a little dance. I might snatch my waist a little bit. We’ll see.”
The actor also revealed that he is continuing discussions with producer Jeffrey Seller and acclaimed director Thomas Kail, known for Hamilton and the upcoming live-action Moana, as he explores potential theatre projects.
