14 DAY TRIAL // Not that we needed any more proof that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood these days (and I don’t mean that literally), but if we did, it comes straight out of San Diego Comic-Con 2014.
Deadline reports that, even though he wasn’t announced for an appearance at the convention, The Rock simply showed up at the Paramount panel to surprise fans. Moreover, he made his big entrance through the audience (as opposed from backstage, as stars usually do), which caused pandemonium.
“[He] drew screaming fans to their feet when he sauntered in through the aisles, among the plebes,” Deadline says. Once up on stage, the former wrestler turned one of Hollywood’s highest earning action stars, roared, “Finally, The Rock has come back to Comic-Con!”
And that wasn’t even the best part, even though fans would have been happy with just seeing their idol in person: The Rock invited all those in attendance to come and see his latest movie, “Hercules,” for free in San Diego’s Gaslamp and I’m thinking many took him up on it.
While Johnson’s gesture is nice, no doubt, it’s not too much of a gamble to assume that the real explanation for it can be found in the way critics have been savaging “Hercules” in their reviews even before opening day.
Even assuming they’re right, don’t worry for The Rock: he’s withstood greater hits than a decent release at the box office instead of a smashing hit.