Dwayne Johnson shares why ‘The Odd Couple’ with Kevin Hart fell apart

Johnson and Hart's Broadway Ambition Hits a Scheduling Wall

Dwayne Johnson shares why The Odd Couple - It appears that Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart were destined for a theatrical partnership, but timing ultimately got in the way of their plans. The two entertainment heavyweights nearly collaborated on a Broadway production of "The Odd Couple," a project that Johnson has been cultivating for several years. During a recent red carpet appearance in New York for the "Moana" premiere, the actor opened up about his ongoing quest to make his stage debut, revealing that his ideal partner for this milestone was none other than his close friend Hart.

A Friendship Forged in Hollywood

Johnson explained that his desire to perform on Broadway has been a goal he has pursued diligently over the past three years. However, he wanted this theatrical venture to be a shared experience with Hart, someone he considers a true confidant. The timing, however, proved to be the primary obstacle preventing their collaboration.

"We should’ve been great. Kevin is my best friend. I love him to death, and the truth is, he’s so booked for the next three to five years," Johnson told People magazine on July 9.

The actor acknowledged that Hart's demanding schedule is simply a reflection of his current success in the industry. Rather than expressing disappointment, Johnson demonstrated understanding and admiration for his friend's professional trajectory. He emphasized that Hart's commitments are not a personal slight, but rather a testament to his friend's busy life in entertainment.

"That’s his schedule, that’s a reality. I totally get it. And I love it and I respect him for that," Johnson added.

Keeping the Dream Alive

Despite the setback with Hart, Johnson remains committed to realizing his Broadway aspirations. The actor noted that while he and Hart have upcoming promotional duties for their latest film collaboration, he refuses to abandon his theatrical ambitions. The duo is preparing to return to the screen together in the sequel titled "Jumanji: Open World," which will require significant promotional efforts later in the year.

At 54 years old, Johnson is still exploring various options for his stage debut. He continues to maintain conversations with prominent theatrical figures, including producer Jeffrey Seller and director Thomas Kail, who are known for their work on "Hamilton" and the "Moana" film adaptation. These discussions have led Johnson to consider different formats for his potential Broadway appearance.

"Maybe it’s The Odd Couple with Jeffrey. I don’t know, maybe it’s a musical and I could run around singing in keys that don’t exist," Johnson shared with People. "I might do a little dance. I might snatch my waist a little bit. We’ll see."

From Ocean to Stage: A Singer's Confidence

Johnson's comfort with performing in front of audiences has grown significantly since his vocal performance in the original "Moana" film. In 2016, he delivered the hit song "You're Welcome," which was co-written by the acclaimed Lin-Manuel Miranda. That experience helped build his confidence as a performer beyond his traditional action movie roles.

Speaking at the world premiere of the new film in Los Angeles on July 7, Johnson expressed his complete lack of nervousness when it comes to singing. He enjoys interacting with young fans who sometimes fail to recognize him as the demigod Maui. These encounters often lead to impromptu performances of his signature song.

"Now, I'm not nervous at all," he told USA TODAY. "The kids are always like, 'He's not Maui!' And I start singing, 'You're Welcome,' and they're like, 'It is Maui. Sing more!' And it's like, here we go."

"Fortunately," Johnson continued. "I love singing that song."

Critical Acclaim Beyond the Stage

While Johnson pursues his Broadway dreams, he has already received significant recognition for his dramatic acting abilities. Last fall, critics praised his transformation into Mark Kerr, a former mixed-martial arts champion, in Benny Safdie's sports drama "The Smashing Machine." This performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best actor, marking one of the highest honors of his acting career to date.

At 47 years old, Hart remains one of the most sought-after comedians in Hollywood, which explains why his schedule is packed for years to come. The two actors have built a strong friendship through their numerous collaborations, and while their Broadway project may have been delayed, fans remain hopeful that their theatrical partnership will materialize in the future. Johnson's willingness to explore musical theater, combined with his growing confidence as a performer, suggests that his Broadway debut is only a matter of time.