Disney and Dwayne Johnson have built one of the strongest working relationships in Hollywood, so when the two sides step away from a movie project, it naturally raises eyebrows. Johnson has been part of Disney’s modern identity in a big way—whether he’s voicing iconic characters, starring in live‑action blockbusters, or representing the brand on red carpets around the world. For years, fans assumed that this partnership guaranteed a long future of collaborations.
That’s why the latest development has caught many by surprise. After months of quiet discussion, Disney and Johnson have mutually agreed to end work on a major sequel that had been in development for years. The move signals a shift not just for the actor, but also for Disney as it reassesses which franchises it wants to continue in a more crowded and competitive entertainment landscape.
Only now has it been confirmed that the project in question is the planned sequel to Jungle Cruise (2021). The original film—starring Johnson and Emily Blunt—became one of Disney’s pandemic‑era success stories, balancing a theatrical release with Disney+ Premiere Access. But despite its strong performance under difficult circumstances, the sequel has officially been shelved.
Recently, Johnson revealed that the studio’s new leadership simply wasn’t confident that the franchise needed another voyage. He noted that Disney “looked at that property” and questioned whether a second installment made sense after the industry’s post‑COVID shake‑up. Blunt backed the decision, acknowledging that Disney felt it was time to move on rather than revisit the idea.
This may surprise fans who remember the early excitement surrounding a follow‑up. Development began almost immediately after the original’s box‑office success, and both Johnson and Blunt frequently expressed interest in returning. As late as 2024, the duo were still talking publicly about the possibility of a sequel, even joking about “calling Disney” to get things moving.
But the entertainment landscape has changed dramatically. Disney continues to tighten its focus, pouring resources into established mega‑franchises and major expansions for Marvel, Star Wars, and its live‑action adaptations. Mid‑range adventure films—especially ones inspired by theme park attractions—now face tougher scrutiny.
Still, this doesn’t signal any trouble between Johnson and Disney. The actor remains deeply involved with the company, including the upcoming live‑action Moana project. For now, the decision simply closes the book on one riverboat adventure that won’t be returning to shore. And who knows—if Disney ever decides to revisit it, Johnson and Blunt have made it clear they’re only one phone call away.
