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Behind the Scenes of “Rampage”: What Did Dwayne Johnson Do to Change the Ending of the Movie?
In 2018, Rampage, a blockbuster action-adventure film starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, stormed into theaters worldwide. Adapted from the classic arcade game of the same name, the movie follows primatologist Davis Okoye (played by Johnson) as he battles to save his genetically mutated gorilla friend, George, and stop a monstrous trio of beasts from destroying Chicago. However, what many fans may not know is that the movie almost had a much darker ending—one that Johnson himself fought hard to change.
A Grim Original Ending
In its initial script, Rampage was reportedly set to have a tragic ending. The character of George, the albino gorilla mutated by a genetic experiment gone wrong, was originally written to sacrifice himself heroically to stop the other rampaging monsters. While this would have added emotional weight and perhaps made the movie’s tone more in line with other darker action films, it didn’t sit well with Johnson.
According to insiders, Johnson saw George not just as a character but as the emotional heart of the movie. “The bond between Davis and George was the soul of the film,” Johnson said in an interview. “I didn’t believe audiences would walk away feeling good if George didn’t survive. It didn’t feel right.”
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Why Johnson Fought for a Happy Ending
Johnson, known for his larger-than-life charisma and his reputation as a crowd-pleaser, has always prioritized audience satisfaction. He believed that a happy ending would resonate better with viewers and leave them feeling uplifted. Johnson expressed that Rampage was intended to be a fun, escapist movie, not a somber or overly tragic one. “This is a movie about hope, resilience, and friendship. To end it on a sad note would’ve betrayed the spirit of what we were trying to achieve,” he said.
Behind the scenes, Johnson reportedly engaged in extensive discussions with the movie’s producers, writers, and director, Brad Peyton, to convince them that a more uplifting conclusion was necessary. Johnson is no stranger to wielding influence in Hollywood—his track record of box office hits gives him considerable leverage when it comes to shaping projects.
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Creative Changes to the Script
The original ending would have left George mortally wounded after his heroic battle against the other monsters, with Davis mourning his loss in a bittersweet final scene. However, under Johnson’s guidance, the filmmakers reimagined the climax. George still risks his life to save the city, but in the revised version, he miraculously survives his injuries, and the film concludes with a lighthearted moment of reconciliation between George and Davis.
The rewrite wasn’t without its challenges. The filmmakers had to ensure that the revised ending didn’t feel forced or out of place. To achieve this, the special effects team spent additional time tweaking the visual details of George’s injuries to make his survival believable yet dramatic. They also reshot certain scenes to balance the emotional tone, ensuring the film still felt impactful while delivering the happy ending Johnson championed.
Audience Reactions and Critical Response
When Rampage finally hit theaters, the ending proved to be a hit with audiences. Viewers praised the bond between Davis and George, calling it the emotional anchor of the film. The lighthearted, hopeful conclusion aligned perfectly with the movie’s action-packed, escapist tone.
Critics, however, were divided. While many appreciated the film’s sense of fun and adventure, others argued that the happy ending felt formulaic. Some speculated that Johnson’s insistence on a happy ending was a calculated move to safeguard his family-friendly image. Regardless of the critiques, the film grossed over $428 million worldwide, proving that audiences connected with the final product.
The Rock’s Influence in Hollywood
Johnson’s insistence on changing the ending of Rampage is a testament to his growing clout in Hollywood. Over the years, Johnson has evolved from a WWE superstar to one of the most bankable movie stars in the industry. His ability to draw audiences to theaters gives him a significant say in creative decisions, and his reputation as a collaborative and audience-focused actor only strengthens his influence.
In this case, Johnson’s instincts about the ending of Rampage paid off. The upbeat conclusion not only reinforced his on-screen persona but also ensured the movie’s broader appeal. Johnson’s willingness to go to bat for what he believed was right—despite potential pushback from the creative team—demonstrates his commitment to delivering the best possible experience for his fans.
What This Means for Future Films
The behind-the-scenes story of Rampage raises interesting questions about the role of star power in filmmaking. While some purists argue that actors should stay in their lane and let writers and directors make creative decisions, Johnson’s involvement highlights the potential benefits of collaboration. His understanding of what audiences want is undoubtedly one of the reasons for his consistent box office success.
For fans, this story is a reminder of Johnson’s dedication to entertaining and inspiring his audience. Whether it’s battling skyscraper-sized monsters, saving the world, or simply ensuring that a beloved character like George gets a happy ending, Johnson continues to prove why he’s one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.
Final Thoughts
The story of how Dwayne Johnson changed the ending of Rampage is more than just a piece of Hollywood trivia—it’s a reflection of his commitment to storytelling and his deep connection with his audience. By insisting on a hopeful conclusion, Johnson ensured that Rampage remained true to its adventurous spirit and left viewers smiling as they exited the theater.
In an era where darker and grittier narratives often dominate blockbusters, Johnson’s push for a happy ending feels like a breath of fresh air. And for fans of Rampage, it’s hard to imagine the film without George standing triumphantly alongside Davis in the final scene—a testament to the power of persistence and the enduring appeal of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
