BREAKING: The Rock turns down $300 million D-!-s-n-e-y role, says he won’t participate in ‘w0ke culture’
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, one of Hollywood’s biggest and most bankable stars, has turned down a multi-million dollar contract with Disney that offered him $300 million to star in an upcoming blockbuster. Johnson reportedly justified his decision by saying he does not want to be involved in what he called “woke culture.” The movement has shaken the entertainment industry and sparked intense debate.
Sources close to the project say Disney offered Johnson the lead role in what would be one of its biggest franchises. Although details of the project are being kept under wraps, Johnson reportedly decided to turn it down after reviewing the film’s creative and thematic approach, which apparently does not match his personal values.
According to leaked statements, Johnson reportedly said: “I have deep respect for Disney and what they stand for, but I cannot participate in anything that promotes values that I am not aligned with.”
Johnson’s decision has sparked a wave of reactions in Hollywood and among his fans:
Advocates applaud his stance as an act of personal integrity. “To give up that level of money on principle shows a lot of character,” said one industry producer.
Critics warn that the decision could jeopardize future opportunities for the actor and affect his relationship with major studios.
Disney has not yet issued an official statement on Johnson’s decision. However, the studio has faced criticism and praise alike for its intention to include progressive and diversity themes in its recent productions, which has polarized its audiences.
The news has sparked a debate on social media about the role of cultural narratives in film. Some support Johnson’s decision, while others see it as a sign of resistance to inclusion and change.
One user commented on Twitter: “The Rock has always been true to his principles, and I respect that he isn’t afraid to speak his mind.” Another responded: “Rejecting ‘woke culture’ sounds more like an excuse to avoid stories that embrace diversity.”
Despite having turned down this lucrative contract, Dwayne Johnson remains a key figure in Hollywood with multiple projects in development. His ability to connect with global audiences and his versatility as an actor and producer ensure that his career will not lose momentum.
The Rock’s decision to turn down a $200 million contract with Disney marks an important point in the debate over the interplay between cultural narratives and the entertainment industry. As the conversation continues, it’s clear that Johnson remains an influential force in Hollywood, and his stance continues to shape discussions about the future of film and television.
Interesting things about American Christmas
American Christmas traditions
There is hardly any country where Christmas is celebrated as big as in America. This period of Christmas and New Year’s Eve is also called ”Holiday Season” in America, a period in which everyone is free and spends a lot of time with friends and family. Weeks before it is actually Christmas, all cities and villages are already wrapped in a festive Christmas atmosphere with lights and other decorations.
There is also a big difference immediately compared to how we celebrate Christmas in the Netherlands. On the other side of the ocean they only know Christmas Day, unlike many Dutch people, the Americans celebrate Christmas Eve much bigger. Christmas Eve is also known as Christmas Eve, the night Santa delivers all the presents.
In addition, America is still seen as a Christian country. Many Americans can therefore be found in church on Christmas Eve for the so-called Christmas Mass.
In terms of Christmas decorations, America resembles the Netherlands, just like with us, they also put a (large) decorated fir tree in the house. In addition, typical large, Christmas socks are often hung on the chimney to complete the decoration.
Celebrate Christmas in the USA
Church Services: Attending Christmas Eve or Christmas Day church services is a significant part of the celebration for many Americans. It’s a time for spiritual reflection and coming together in worship.
Gift Exchanges: Exchanging gifts is a way for families and friends to show their love and appreciation for one another. Many families exchange gifts on Christmas morning, and it’s common to have a designated time for opening presents.
Decorations: Decorating the home, inside and out, is often a family affair. Families come together to put up Christmas trees, hang ornaments, and adorn their homes with lights and other festive decorations.
Cooking and Baking: Preparing special holiday meals and treats is a collaborative effort in many households. Family members may work together in the kitchen to create a Christmas feast or bake cookies and other holiday goodies.
Christmas Caroling: Some communities or groups of friends come together to go caroling, spreading Christmas cheer by singing traditional carols to neighbors and at local events.
Watching Holiday Movies: Gathering to watch classic Christmas movies and TV specials is a cozy way for families and friends to enjoy each other’s company during the holiday season.
Neighborhood Events: Some neighborhoods organize community events like tree lighting ceremonies, parades, or holiday markets, which bring residents together to celebrate the season.
Social Gatherings: Friends often come together for holiday parties and gatherings. These may include festive dinners, ugly sweater parties, or other themed events.
Acts of Kindness: Random acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor with shoveling snow, bringing meals to those who are homebound, or exchanging small gifts with friends and coworkers, foster a sense of community and togetherness.
Phone and Video Calls: For those who can’t be physically present with their loved ones, technology allows for video calls, enabling families to share the holiday experience despite being separated by distance.
Santa Claus, Indiana
What better place to celebrate Christmas than in a place called Santa Claus. There is a place called Santa Claus in Indiana America. The southwestern Indiana city is known for, how could it be otherwise, its Christmas theme. The city’s nickname during the Christmas season: America’s Christmas Hometown. Everything in this city breathes Christmas, all year round. With, for example, even a real Santa Klaus museum. It is not surprising that the city was voted the world’s best Christmas destination in 2011.
A fun fact about this city is that the city has a post office of the same name, Santa Claus, which receives thousands of letters for Santa from children all over the world every year.
New York City, New York
New York City in New York is always a must to visit, but during the Christmas season it has more to offer and there is even more to experience in this metropolis. A magical destination that actually needs no further explanation, not surprising that New York has been attracting the most tourists during Holiday Season for years.
A real must-visit if you are in New York during this period is the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. This immense Christmas tree is the world’s most famous Christmas tree and attracts a huge number of tourists every year. So you will have to be patient, but you will not be disappointed.
Besides window shopping and looking at the beautiful decoration that hangs all over the city, it is also definitely worth going to Central Park. You can even put on your skates here to skate a round on the famous skating rink with a great view!
Orlando, Florida
Don’t feel like a cold or white Christmas? Then Orlando is highly recommended for your Christmas destination! In December it is still an average of about 23 degrees here, which means celebrating Christmas in shorts. Sit by the pool and maybe even get a little tan, a unique interpretation of the Christmas period for many.
But partly because of this, it is probably very popular, because every year during this period countless Europeans also travel to this area to celebrate Christmas. Biggest draw? Disney World Orlando. An additional tip; buy a ticket to Micky’s Very Merry Christmas Party. You can then enter the park after the regular closing time, the biggest advantage is fewer long queues for the attractions.
But there is more, all kinds of free food and drinks are distributed in the theme of Christmas and everything is of course completely decorated in a Christmas theme, including a parade in the Christmas spirit. A must visit!
Enough inspiration for a Christmas period in America. Do you already know what you will be doing during the holidays? Whether you spend the ‘Holiday Season’ in the States or are in the Netherlands during the holidays, or perhaps somewhere else. Wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas!
