USA TODAY International Edition
Pondering President Rock? He’s serious
Dwayne Johnson, welcome to the real jungle: politics.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle star Dwayne Johnson insists he’s “seriously considering” running for president of the United States.
Speaking to USA TODAY, Johnson, 45, fleshed out some of the still-murky details, acknowledging there’s still a lot to be worked out.
But Johnson says he would eye the 2020 presidential election. “That would probably be the case, yes,” he says.
But “this actually never came from me,” the actor points out. “It started (with) a piece in The Washington Post, and there was this kind of groundswell.”
It didn’t hurt that the report made clear in the headline that Johnson “could actually win.” People got excited about the prospect. And that has pushed Johnson.
“So I can tell you with all honesty that the consideration comes at the desire from a large amount of people who would like to see this happen,” Johnson says. “But I mean, honestly, there are so many different variables that have to come into play . ... Politics is not my business. So the consideration is there. And we’ll just have to see. I’ll continue to watch and learn as much as I can.”
His reasoning is simple: “To serve the people, and create a better environment for them.”
So there’s much to be figured out after Jumanji, with major projects in motion that include another baby, Skyscraper (in theaters July 13) and the Fast & Furious Hobbs spinoff with Jason Statham (2019). Just to name a few things on Johnson’s famously packed schedule.
But Johnson has already shown he can be feisty with the media when it comes to specifics, declining to say whether he’d go on the Republican or Democratic ticket.
“You’re pushing it — right now, I’m an independent,” he says.
One thing that is sure: Tom Hanks can have whatever role he wants in a Rock administration. The two have already joked about this on Saturday
Why would Johnson run for office? “To serve the people, and create a better environment for them.”
Night Live.
“You name it, he can have it. He’s beloved, smart,” Johnson says. “That would be a good ticket. Think about it, Hanks-Johnson, Johnson-Hanks. The only issue I have with Tom is he wants his name first.”
So Hanks seriously has a spot? “If he’s interested, of course.”
But Johnson can’t think of anyone else in Hollywood he’d bring along on this political ride. Well, except for his Jumanji and Central Intelligence costar Kevin Hart.
“Kevin Hart is going to be my court jester,” he says. “I’m bringing that back.”