In a fiery critique, Wil Wheaton has called out Dwayne Johnson for his recent decision to sideline his political opinions. The criticism stems from Johnson’s choice to remain apolitical, a stance that has provoked Wheaton’s ire.
Best known for his role in “Stand By Me,” Wheaton, who has been outspoken about his disapproval of former President Trump, didn’t mince words. He labeled Johnson a “coward” for opting to keep his political beliefs under wraps, a sentiment he shared with his followers Monday on Threads. His comments were a response to fellow actor George Takei’s post, which highlighted Johnson’s recent statements to Esquire magazine.
In the Esquire interview, Johnson, famed for his wrestling and acting career, explained his strategic retreat from the political arena. At 53, Johnson articulated his desire to concentrate on his professional endeavors without the distraction of political discourse casting a shadow.
“What I have learned through experience is that I need to keep — need, not want — the main thing the main thing,” Johnson stated, underscoring his intention to maintain focus on his career as a primary priority.
This decision signals a shift in Johnson’s approach, shedding light on how he plans to navigate his public persona moving forward, much to the chagrin of those who hoped he might wield his influence as a political force.
“The main thing for me, the thing that in the morning I swing my legs out of bed and I run towards, is creating. It’s art. It’s storytelling.”
“I’ve learned I’m going to keep my politics to myself,” he continued. “There are moments when, hey, there’s nothing we can’t talk about.
“If I’m wrong, I’ll tell you I’m wrong. Or if I feel like I got a leg up and this is the right way to go, I’ll share it with you.”
Johnson, who identifies as an Independent, also said he believes people with opposing political views should talk to one another instead of publicly attacking each other, adding, “I hate the slinging. I hate all the bulls— that comes with it.”
Wheaton has long been outspoken about his political views and campaigned for Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election.
Johnson publicly endorsed Joe Biden during the 2020 election, but ahead of the 2024 race, said that he would not endorse another presidential candidate, explaining he regretted his previous endorsement because it fueled division.
Still, the “Smashing Machine” star has spoken about Trump in recent years.
Johnson condemned the July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania, saying political violence has “no room” in America.
“Whether you love Donald, don’t love Donald, it doesn’t matter. They tried to assassinate him. There’s no room for that,” Johnson said at The Value Conference in September 2024.
“Despite it being who we were in that moment, I still believe in my core that is not who we are as a country.
“So him standing up at that moment, we wanted to see that.”
Johnson also said Trump had been a fan of his wrestling career for years and attended his matches in New York City.
During an October 2024 appearance on “Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway,” Trump revealed Johnson reached out to him after the assassination attempt.
“When I was shot, you may have heard about it, Rock called Dana White and said, ‘I want to have his number. I want to have his number. What he did is sort of incredible,’” Trump said.
“He considered it bravery. I don’t know, to me, I considered it, ‘What’s going on here?’ But it was very nice, The Rock.”