Photo Credit: Sony PicturesWhile most fans think of Jumanji when they hear “Dwayne Johnson and video game,” the iconic actor’s career actually goes much deeper than that.
Universal Pictures is reportedly moving forward with a full reboot of Doom, and one major element from the original adaptation is no longer part of the plan: Dwayne Johnson.
While the studio has not yet issued an official announcement, multiple industry reports indicate that a new take on the sci-fi action franchise is in development, signaling a clean break from the version that reached theaters nearly 20 years ago.
The move isn’t especially shocking. The 2005 Doom film has long been viewed as a misfire, both critically and commercially, and it’s often cited as an example of how difficult video game adaptations can be when they stray too far from their source material.
Even Johnson himself has publicly acknowledged that the film didn’t work, later describing it as a learning experience rather than a success. With Universal now looking ahead, the studio appears ready to reset the franchise entirely.
A Movie That Failed to Connect
When Doom hit theaters in 2005, expectations were mixed but hopeful. The video game franchise already had a massive fan base, and the cast—led by Johnson and Karl Urban—gave the project some mainstream appeal. Unfortunately, the film struggled almost immediately.
Critics and fans alike pointed to weak storytelling, tonal inconsistency, and major departures from what made the games compelling. While the movie included a short first-person sequence as a nod to the gameplay, it wasn’t enough to overcome broader issues. Box office performance fell short of expectations, and reviews were overwhelmingly negative.
Universal later attempted to revive the property with Doom: Annihilation in 2019, which was released direct-to-video. That version failed to gain traction as well, reinforcing the idea that the franchise’s problems weren’t tied to a single cast or era—but to the way it was being adapted.
Why Universal Is Trying Again
Despite its rocky film history, Doom remains one of the most influential video game franchises ever created. First released in 1993, the series helped define the first-person shooter genre and has remained relevant for decades. Modern installments have been both commercially successful and well-received, proving that interest in the franchise has never faded.
That contrast matters. While the movies stumbled, the games thrived. From fast-paced combat to a darker, more aggressive tone, Doom continues to resonate with players worldwide. That enduring popularity is likely what convinced Universal that the brand still has untapped potential on screen—if handled correctly.
Industry chatter suggests the studio may want a reboot that leans closer to the franchise’s horror roots and brutal atmosphere, rather than a generic action blockbuster. If true, that would mark a significant shift from the 2005 film and could explain why Universal is starting over with a new creative vision.
A Clean Break From Dwayne Johnson
Leaving Johnson out of the reboot appears to be a deliberate choice rather than a reflection of his current star power. While Johnson has become one of Hollywood’s biggest names since Doom was released, his involvement with the franchise is not remembered fondly by fans.
For many viewers, the original Doom movie represents what went wrong with early video game adaptations, not something worth revisiting. By removing familiar faces and storylines, Universal gives itself the freedom to reintroduce the franchise without reminding audiences of past missteps.
At this stage, no cast members, director, or release timeline have been announced. That silence suggests the project is still in early development, with the studio focusing first on getting the concept right.
The Game That Never Lost Its Audience
One key point often overlooked in discussions about the Doom films is just how successful the games have remained. The franchise continues to sell millions of copies, dominate streaming platforms, and influence modern shooter design. Its fan base spans generations, from players who grew up with the original PC releases to newcomers discovering the series today.
That ongoing success gives Universal something rare: a franchise with a damaged film reputation but a strong, healthy core brand. If the studio can finally bridge that gap, a Doom reboot could succeed where previous versions failed.
What Comes Next
For now, the reboot exists in the realm of reports rather than confirmed announcements. Still, Universal’s willingness to revisit Doom speaks volumes. The studio appears to recognize that the problem was never the franchise itself—but how it was translated to the screen.
If the reboot moves forward as expected, it will represent a full reset: new cast, new direction, and a renewed attempt to capture what made Doom iconic in the first place. Whether it succeeds remains to be seen, but one thing is already clear—the future of Doom on film will move forward without Dwayne Johnson, and with something to prove.
Inside the Magic will provide updates when more details are given on the Universal Pictures reboot.