'Like I had 3 heads': Dwayne Johnson's agent mocked him for wanting career bigger than Will Smith
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: With a net worth approaching $1 billion, it is evident that Dwayne Johnson has done quite well for himself. However, the legend's ascent to Hollywood superstardom was fraught with perils, particularly at the outset.
Despite his success in sports entertainment, The 'Black Adam' actor quickly discovered that Hollywood was a different beast to tame. He was basically told to modify his entire attitude and what he loved in order to fit in with Hollywood.
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Besides, Johnson was mocked by his own agency for being ambitious. Fortunately, The 'Baywatch' star's confidence was not shaken, and he went on to dominate Hollywood.
Tricky early Hollywood days
He departed the world of sports entertainment on a high note. However, the shift to Hollywood came with its own set of problems. Dwayne Johnson was informed by his prior management that he had to adapt to Hollywood standards. That meant giving up all of his favorite activities, such as attending the gym, and not talking about his time with WWE.
Despite these adjustments, his career was failing, and he was taking on jobs that didn't always suit his ambition to become a huge movie star. It took a lot of guts, but he made the choice to fire his crew and follow his intuition.
Bigger than Will Smith
Dwayne Johnson made the significant revelation during his spectacular motivating speech with the Los Angeles Lakers. He discussed the various hurdles he encountered on his way to the top, including his rocky beginnings in Hollywood. Dwayne claimed to have had mixed feelings about leaving wrestling to pursue a struggling acting career.
He mentioned an event in which he expressed to his agency what he wanted his career to look like. Johnson alleges he was treated like he had "three heads."
Johnson added, "Will Smith is my boy but at that time I sat down with the agency that I was with, and they said what do you want to accomplish? I said, I want to accomplish the world, I want the world and I want Will Smith's career, but I want to do it bigger and better. And they looked at me like I had three heads. And they were like, Umm, yea, okay."
Despite his agency's negative reaction, he continued to work hard. Obviously, the effort was worthwhile considering how his career unfolded in the 2010s and continues to fly in the 2020s.