The Rock Dives Into the World of Crime: Inside Dwayne Johnson’s Unlikely Collaboration with Nick Bilton
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has made a bold career move, stepping away from the silver screen to embark on a literary journey. On April 12, the action star announced that he will co-author a non-fiction book with investigative journalist Nick Bilton, marking an exciting new chapter in his already diverse career.
The 52-year-old actor, known for his roles in Red Notice, Jungle Cruise, and the Fast & Furious franchise, took to Instagram to share the news with his 200 million-plus followers. “Super grateful to co-author my next project (a non-fiction book) with award-winning investigative journalist, @NickBilton,” he wrote in the post, expressing his excitement for the collaboration. Johnson went on to explain that he and Bilton had already been working on the project for several months and that there were still many more months of work ahead.
“This has already been such an unbelievable, inspiring, and eye-opening experience,” Johnson shared, hinting at the depth of the subject matter and the emotional connection he has to the project.
A Story Close to His Heart
The upcoming book promises to uncover the untold story of a fierce and defiant Hawaiian crime syndicate known as The Company, which fought against outsider gangs and corporate invaders in the 1960s and 1970s. The book will also shine a spotlight on Wilford “Nappy” Pulawa, the charismatic and strategic leader of The Company—the first and only Hawaiian mob boss in history.
Johnson’s connection to the subject is deeply personal, as he grew up in Honolulu, Hawai’i, during his formative years. Reflecting on this, he explained, “The more exhaustive research we do and people we speak to, the more I shake my head at how wildly and profoundly connected we all were.” The star added that telling this story about his roots and the impact of Hawaiian culture felt both meaningful and necessary.
Creative Guidance from Martin Scorsese
In a surprising twist, Johnson revealed that legendary director Martin Scorsese has been working closely with the team, offering creative guidance as they explore this Hawaiian story with “mana” (spiritual energy) and respect. “Mahalo to our director, Marty Scorsese, for working so closely with us creatively as we all explore and embrace this Hawai’i story with mana and respect,” Johnson wrote, paying tribute to the iconic filmmaker’s involvement in the project.
Scorsese, known for his meticulous attention to detail in storytelling, particularly in the crime genre, brings his vast expertise to this project, which is poised to delve into the intricacies of Hawaiian history and criminal underworlds, while honoring the island’s rich culture.
A New Chapter for The Rock
While Johnson is renowned for his action-packed roles and his business ventures, this literary project represents a significant departure from the usual path, showcasing a new side to the star. From his WWE beginnings to his successful transition into Hollywood and beyond, Dwayne Johnson’s career has always been marked by bold moves and diversification. Now, with a non-fiction book on the horizon, he is continuing to expand his reach, further establishing himself as a storyteller with a powerful personal connection to the subject matter.
As the project continues to take shape, Johnson’s fans can look forward to a deep dive into Hawaiian history, crime, and culture, told through the lens of one of Hollywood’s most influential figures. With the combination of Johnson’s passion, Bilton’s investigative journalism, and Scorsese’s creative guidance, this non-fiction book is set to be a captivating and groundbreaking addition to the world of storytelling.
Stay tuned for more details as the release of this exciting project approaches.
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