Brendan Fraser and Dwayne Johnson Reveal Life-Changing Friendship Born on 'The Mummy' Set

Brendan Fraser and Dwayne Johnson, two Hollywood stars who first met on the set of "The Mummy Returns" in 2001, have spoken out about the life-changing friendship they formed during the making of the film. The 2001 sequel marked a significant milestone in Fraser's burgeoning leading-man career, while it was Johnson's first-ever film role, having previously gained fame as WWE's The Rock. In a recent conversation with Variety, the two actors reflected on their journey, discussing the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned along the way. "I was trying to be a leading man, and I was trying to be a leading man in a way that was authentic to me," Fraser said. "But I was also trying to be a leading man in a way that was going to make people happy, and that's a lot of pressure." Johnson, who has since become one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, echoed Fraser's sentiments, stating, "I was trying to be a leading man, but I was also trying to be a leading man in a way that was going to make people happy, and that's a lot of pressure." Fraser's recent Oscar win for his role in "The Whale" marked a significant turning point in his career, and he has since gone on to star in films like "Rental Family," which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to critical acclaim. Johnson, meanwhile, has continued to build on his success, starring in films like "The Smashing Machine," which earned tearful rounds of applause at the Venice and Toronto film festivals. The two actors have spoken about the importance of taking risks and being true to oneself in their careers. "I was trying to be a leading man, but I was also trying to be a leading man in a way that was going to make people happy, and that's a lot of pressure," Johnson said. "But then I started to realize that I didn't have to be a leading man to be happy. I could just be myself, and that's when things started to change for me." Fraser and Johnson's friendship has been a source of inspiration for many in the industry, and their willingness to speak out about the challenges they faced has helped to break down stigmas surrounding mental health and the pressures of fame. As Fraser noted, "I think it's really important for people to know that they're not alone, and that it's okay to not be okay." The two actors have continued to work together on various projects, and their friendship remains a testament to the power of collaboration and support in the entertainment industry. As Johnson said, "Brendan is one of the most talented and dedicated actors I've ever met, and I'm so grateful to have him in my life."