Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson says running for president is a 'real possibility'
Watch out Kanye West—you might be facing Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in 2020.
The former wrestler opened up about being the world's highest paid actor in the latest issue of GQ, and when asked about any political ambitions, he managed to offer up a glimmer of hope for his fans across the country.
Everyone from Michael Moore to Washington Post has brought up The Rock running for president of the United States, and in conversation with Caity Weaver for the magazine, he discussed how those conversations have impacted his thoughts about a future campaign.
Since then, Johnson tells me, he's given the question more thought. “A year ago,” he says, “it started coming up more and more. There was a real sense of earnestness, which made me go home and think, ‘Let me really rethink my answer and make sure I am giving an answer that is truthful and also respectful.’ I didn't want to be flippant—‘We'll have three days off for a weekend! No taxes!’”
So, after all that consideration, Johnson doesn't hesitate when I ask him whether he honestly might one day give up his life as the highest-paid movie star on earth—which is unquestionably easier, more fun, and more lucrative than being president of the United States—in order to run for office. “I think that it's a real possibility,” he says solemnly.
On Instagram, Johnson has brought up a possible campaign multiple times.
"I care DEEPLY about our county... and the idea of one day becoming President to create real positive impact and global change is very alluring," he's explained, last year. "Buuuuut until that possible day, the most important thing right now is strong honest leadership from our current and future leaders of this country."
Just a few weeks later, he posted another publication's story with a different spin over the same thoughts.
"Years from now if I feel I can step up and become a strong, impactful, and authentic leader for the people and our country - I will. Until then let's get back to work," he wrote on Instagram.
Long story short: it really could happen.
While the GQ piece explained why he didn't offer up any endorsements during the 2016 elections—he didn't want to sway opinions or make people unhappy—The Rock in The White House definitely wouldn't be the craziest thing to happen to American politics.
