As AI continues to change industries and everyday life, public figures are speaking out more and more about how society should approach the technology. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson recently shared his thoughts on the need to accept the big technological change instead of running away from it. He said that he was open to the potential of AI but that the impact would have to be understood first. 

Rather than warning against AI, Johnson emphasized curiosity, exploration, and understanding. 

Ahead of the release of Disney’s live-action Moana, in which Dwayne Johnson plays the demigod Maui, he sat down for a wide-ranging interview with Esquire magazine. He also shared his thoughts and opinions on AI at the same time. When the topic turned to AI and the threat it posed, Esquire noted that Johnson was cautiously interested and excited. 

“I’ve always been an advocate for embracing big change—after taking a hard look at it. We can either stick our heads in the sand and be afraid, or we can say, ‘Okay, we’re here. Let’s see. Let’s explore,” the Rock said, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to technological advances rather than resisting them.

The comment came a day after The Wall Street Journal published a special report this morning titled “Is It Still Disney Magic If It’s Made with AI?” It detailed Disney’s recent internal struggles with AI technology. It also reported that the live-action Moana was originally going to use deepfake technology to superimpose Johnson’s face on his stunt double cousin, Tanoai Reed, for stunt sequences. 

Dwayne Johnson originally signed on to this deal with AI company Metaphysic. The Wall Street Journal then reported that nevertheless, due to emerging legal complications, the plan was eventually dropped. Disney’s legal team discussed the importance of deepfake data protections at length. 

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Beyond discussing technology and Hollywood's evolving relationship with AI, Johnson also opened up about a personal health scare from earlier this year. 

Dwayne Johnson said in the same interview with Esquire magazine that he had a cancer scare earlier this year during preparations for promotional duties tied to Jumanji. The star of the psychological thriller Breakthrough discovered a lump. He then had it examined before flying to Las Vegas for a day-long round of appearances and events.

Initially, the doctors thought it was probably a non-cancerous condition. But they could not rule out cancer completely without more testing. Thus, Johnson had to wait a day or so for answers, while still fulfilling his public duties and professional responsibilities. Fortunately, follow-up examinations revealed that it wasn’t cancer. The health scare may have been a different kind of challenge, but it reflected the same mindset Johnson advocates toward AI—facing the unknown with curiosity rather than fear.

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Could Dwayne Johnson’s measured approach offer a glimpse into how Hollywood may navigate the growing influence of AI? Let us know in the comments.