It’s been a busy week for The Rock, who landed a star on the Walk of Fame and is preparing for the release of holiday blockbuster Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, could just be US president someday.
Dwayne Johnson upped the ante when he appeared on The Ellen Show with Kevin Hart and said he was “seriously considering” running for president of the United States.
According to Variety, the claims aren’t a publicity stunt.
“It was never something that I trumpeted and beat my chest and ever said publicly, ‘This is what I’m going to do,'” he said.
The Hollywood superstar said he wouldn’t be able to run until 2024, which would rule him out of a potential face-off with Donald Trump in 2020.
“Realistically, as we go into 2018, when you look at my slate as we’re developing and shooting into 2019 and 2020, the slate goes deep into 2021, so it feels like the realistic consideration would be 2024.”
The movie star and producer was last year named the world’s highest-paid movie star, and has a burgeoning career as an industry businessman. He co-owns Seven Bucks Productions with his longtime manager and ex-wife, Dany Garcia.
Johnson is upfront about his lack of political experience, but claims the current political climate and divisive nature of the country has inspired him to consider a potential career in politics.
“I’m well aware politics is not the business I’m in, so the best thing I can do is continuing to listen and learn as much as I can.
“I continue to be hopeful that our leaders exhibit poise, perspective and the ability to bring our country together during these tough times — which I don’t feel our presidency is currently doing — so that’s where I’m at.”
Back in May, the actor hinted to GQ that it was a “real possibility” he would give up his movie career to run for President.
He said he began seriously considering a move into politics after reading a Washington Post article, published before the 2016 election, that posited him as a viable contender against Donald Trump.
Johnson, this week, again referred to the Washington Post article.
“It all started out of the blue,” the actor said. “As that story picked up, Americans picked it up and there was this sentiment of, ‘We’re not joking, and we would really love the idea if you would run.'”
Currently a registered Independent, Johnson has attended both Republican and Democratic conventions, and refused to give his official endorsement for either candidate last year, despite being approached by both.
He said his motivations came from a a genuine loyalty to the American people.
“I care deeply about our country, and I care deeply about our people – especially now,” he said. “Decency matters and being a decent human being matters, and character matters, and leadership matters.”
Though he appeared on Saturday Night Live in May with Tom Hanks as his veep, Johnson said he hadn’t put thought into who he would select as his running mate.
The Rock may have to battle other celebrity challengers on his way to the White House, with rumours swirling that rapper Kanye West, TV star Oprah Winfrey and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are all interested in the top job.