Is Dwayne Johnson Following in the Footsteps of Arnold Schwarzenegger?

With hundreds of millions of followers on social media alone, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is one of the biggest stars in all of entertainment. Unlike most celebrities, Johnson’s pro wrestling background helps him tap into two different fan bases. However, Rocky Maivia’s rise also mirrors that of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger had a one-of-a-kind career that probably will never be replicated. Arnie was one of the few individuals who found success no matter what avenue he stepped into. Yet, if the Austrian Oak was the pioneer with a legacy, then Dwayne Johnson is the one carrying forward that legacy in more ways than one.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwayne Johnson started as athletes

Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Austria, a village close to Graz. Although his father, Gustav Schwarzenegger, was the police chief, the family struggled with poverty. That, however, couldn’t diminish Schwarzenegger’s ambition. Aiming to build a career in bodybuilding and powerlifting, Arnie arrived in America in 1968.

Despite not having any money at the time, Schwarzenegger found his way to success through his bodybuilding talent and by winning over the co-founder of the IFBB. The Austrian Oak’s popularity exploded after he took home six Mr. Olympia titles and won over the public with his charismatic personality.

The seven-time Mr. Olympa didn’t just become the best bodybuilder in the world but also advocated for his sport. The five-time Mr. Universe winner appeared in interviews, talk shows, and on television to dispel the taboos surrounding bodybuilding. He literally helped popularize bodybuilding to a more mainstream audience.

Dwayne Johnson also started as an athlete at heart. While The Rock’s father, Rocky Johnson, was already part of pro wrestling royalty, he had to carve his identity in the WWE. Johnson debuted with the stage name Rocky Maivia in 1995 when the WWF hadn’t been renamed as the WWE.

Johnson also became a decorated pro wrestler in a short time, just like Arnold Schwarzenegger had found success quickly. In 2001, Johnson also took his first steps towards becoming The Most Electrifying Man in All of Entertainment after landing the lead role in The Scorpion King. This is where their career becomes even more similar.

From athletes to actors

While Arnold Schwarzenegger became a popular figure in bodybuilding, he had trouble getting into Hollywood. The bodybuilding legend was rejected for his thick Austrian accent and his physique. Although Arnie won seven Olympia titles, his physique was too big for a Hollywood leading man. However, he got a break in 1982.

After his Golden Globe-winning supporting actor performance in Stay Hungry (1976), Schwarzenegger struggled to find work. That’s when John Millius decided to cast him as a comic book character. The film would become a cult classic and give Arnie his big breakthrough. It would also help the Austrian Oak become a pioneer.

With Conan the Barbarian, Arnold Schwarzenegger set the standard for what a comic book hero physique should look like. Following his big break, Arnie became a box office juggernaut with films like The Terminator, Terminator 2, Predator, Ture Lies, and more. He became an action cinema legend, paving the way for others to follow.

Dwayne Johnson, on the other hand, has become arguably the biggest action star on the planet by walking on the road Arnie paved. The People’s Champion brought a similar skill set to Hollywood and starred in physically demanding roles. On top of that, just like Arnold Schwarzenegger, he also dabbled in comedy films.

Dwyane Johnson’s popularity in Hollywood claimed new heights after starring in the Fast and Furious franchise. Since then, he has starred in blockbusters like Jumanji, multiple sequels of the Fast and Furious films, Black Adam, and more. Today, Flex Kavana has also become a box office juggernaut like Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 80s. These aren’t the only similarities the two share. The icons have also made a mark off-screen.

Can The Rock match the off-screen impact of Arnold Schwarzenegger?

Besides being a bodybuilding and action icon, Arnold Schwarzenegger has had a massive cultural impact. While his films are still referenced in today’s action movies, Arnie has impacted people’s lives in more ways than just entertaining them. The Austrian Oak started his journey of giving back, through the Special Olympics.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was the weighting coach and the ambassador of the Special Olympics in the 80s. He also served as the Chairman of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition from 1990 to 1993. However, Arnie made the most impact as the Governor of California, shaping the state during his two consecutive terms.

The seven-time Mr. Olympia has continued to contribute to combatting global warming and pollution through several avenues, including the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. Arnie once wielded the power to influence the creation of a civilian version of the Humvee, a gas-guzzling monster SUV used by the US armed forces.

However, he has learned from his mistakes and uses that influence to spread awareness of environmental issues. Meanwhile, Dwayne Johnson hasn’t showcased any political ambitions, yet. However, the action star is also a philanthropist at heart, constantly looking to give back to the people that made him famous.

The 52-year-old has founded The Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation, which regularly donates to charities. Whether it’s supporting fellow creatives during the SAG-AFTRA protests or trying to help in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires, Johnson has ensure that he does what he can. The WWE star also owned up to his mistakes like he did after the wildfire donation backlash.

So, it’s not difficult to see that Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwyane Johnson have followed similar career paths, seeing how they are athletes, actors, and philanthropists who’ve left a lasting impact on and off-screen.