WWE Star Calls Dwayne Johnson a “Lazy Motherf*cker” and His Bold Prediction About The Rock Came True

Finn Balor’s bold prediction for Dwayne Johnson for the 2024 Elimination Chamber.

WWE fans were left disappointed after the People’s Champion Dwayne Johnson, who recently became a member of The Bloodline, failed to make an appearance at the 2024 Elimination Chamber: Perth Premium Live Event. It seems that the WWE star Finn Bálor had an idea about Johnson’s intentions for the event and didn’t hold back in taking a jab at the legendary wrestler.
Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam
While his remarks on The Rock left many with surprise, considering his stature in the world of wrestling, it seems Bálor prediction about Johnson came true as the Hollywood star was indeed absent from the WWE event.

Finn Bálor’s Bold Remarks on Dwayne Johnson

In a short clip circulating on social media, a fan is seen asking The Judgement Day’s Finn Bálor about whether or not Dwayne Johnson would be appearing at the Elimination Chamber. Bálor, enjoying a walk on a beach in Perth, Australia, with British Strong Style’s Pete Dunn, denied the possibility.
The Rock | SmackDown
He replied with pure assurance that he believed that The Rock would not make an appearance, saying, “No, he is one lazy motherf***er.” The fan further went on to question the likelihood of Roman Reigns showing up at the Premium Live Event, and Bálor denied the possibility of his presence as well.

This unexpected remake from Bálor came amid fans’ anticipation to witness The Rock’s involvement, who recently joined forces with The Bloodline and is expected to have significance in the WrestleMania XL buildup.

 

And Bálor’s predictions about Dwayne Johnson turned out to be accurate, as both he and Roman Reigns were not seen at the Premium Live Event. However, earlier reports have also suggested that the fans might have to wait until WrestleMania XL to see The Rock with Roman Reigns.

Triple H On Rumors Surrounding The Rock’s Appearance at the Elimination Chamber

Rumors surrounding Dwayne Johnson’s surprise appearance at the Elimination Chamber have been going around for a while. It was assumed that his surprise appearance at the live event would set up the WrestleMania XL showdown, potentially putting him and Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins.
Triple H
However, ahead of the event, Triple H confirmed that the Black Adam star would not be participating in the premium live event. “You are not going to see The Rock. I’m not gonna spin that because I don’t want people expecting that and not seeing that,” he said during an appearance on the Xav and Michelle for Breakfast podcast.

He further shared that the wrestler-turned-actor is on a tight schedule, and although he is expected to join multiple events, unfortunately, the Elimination Chamber was not one of them. The Rock, who had been dropping hints about his potential appearance at the Elimination Chamber, is now expected to address the challenge issued to him by Cody Rhodes on RAW.
Dwayne Johnson slapped Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania XL Kickoff event
Rhodes addressed getting slapped by Johnson at The Grayson Waller Effect and officially challenged the newest member of The Bloodline to a one-on-one match, leading to specualtions that The Rock could surprise fans with an unexpected appearance on the next episode of RAW.

“It’s not just the greatest shark film of all time”: Steven Spielberg’s $482 Million Movie Has Undeniable Influence on Jason Statham’s ‘Meg 2: The Trench’

Steven Spielberg is among the most accomplished directors in the Hollywood industry, who has given multiple box-office hits. Some of the best works of the director include Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones, the Jurrasic Park movies, West Side Story, Schindler’s List, and more. One of his biggest hits was the Jaws franchise. The film franchise was a box office super success, which became the inspiration for numerous films based on the theme.
Steven Spielberg
Among many people inspired by the films is Ben Wheatley. The director opened up on being a die-hard fan of Jaws and getting inspired to make The Meg 2.

Ben Wheatley found inspiration from Steven Speilberg’s Jaws

Ben Wheatley is a popular English filmmaker, film editor, and animator, who is the mind behind the new film Meg 2: The Trench. The film is the sequel to the 2018 film, The Meg. The director opened up in an interview about his fascination for the 1975 shark movie and reveals he has watched it several times over the years.
The Meg 2: The Trench
He added that he found inspiration from the famous Steven Speilberg film Jaws for his new film based on Steven Allen’s novels. In conversation with Screen Rant, he shared,
“A lifetime of watching monster movies. It comes from, I think, being a kid and watching [Ray] Harryhausen’s stuff; watching Jason and the Argonauts and Sinbad and all those movies. I remember watching Jaws as a kid on TV, and that blowing my mind.”
Further adding,
“In fact, I’ve probably watched Jaws every year since and always see new things in it. It’s not just the greatest shark film of all time, but one the greatest films of all time. So, I take a lot of influence from that. And then I really love the kind of 70s Godzilla stuff, then Shin Godzilla, and the current influence of legendary Godzilla movies. It’s all that stuff.”

“But then also, on the human side, it’s kind of like Thing From Another World or those ’40s science-based adventures with lots of characters trying to solve stuff, and that all feeds in. And Them!, the giant ant movie. It’s a lot.”
Jason Statham‘s film The Meg 2: The Trench is presently running in theatres. 

Steven Spielberg on the success of Jaws

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is one of the legendary movies of the Hollywood industry. It is considered one of the best films on screen with amazing effects in the shark film. The film was loved by the audience and consolidated Speilberg’s position as a prominent and visionary director. Jaws was an important movie as it brought the new era of American filmmaking. It led to an era of new ideas, fresh faces, and creative experimentation by filmmakers.
Jaws (1975)
Spielberg shared in an interview with The Sunday Post, 
“I was a director-for-hire before Jaws, and because it was such a big hit, I could do any movie I wanted, and Hollywood just wrote me a cheque. I’d wanted to make this movie about flying saucers, but people thought it was a crazy idea. I was telling them: ‘This big mothership comes down at the end, the guy goes into the ship, you’re going to love it!’ but they wouldn’t give me the time of day.”

“But the second Jaws was a hit, everybody said: ‘What about that flying saucer movie you had? Do you still want to make that?’ So, Jaws really was the turning point.”
The Jaws franchise was a superhit when it was released and in total it grossed nearly $800 million worldwide.

“It was a business decision”: Before Seemingly Abandoning Dwayne Johnson’s Hobbs & Shaw, Jason Statham Cut Ties With Another $315M Franchise for Underpaying Him

Jason Statham’s introduction to the world as a bona fide action star came in 2002 when he portrayed Frank Martin, the enigmatic driver and action hero in The Transporter. While his career boasts an array of impressive films, one franchise that stands out in his filmography is the iconic Transporter series.
Jason Statham
However, after playing the most badass courier in existence for three Transporter movies, Statham decided to pass on The Transporter 4. And he has a practical reason behind it.

Jason Statham Explains Why He Left Successful Transporter Franchises

Jason Statham was approached to take part in The Transporter: Refueled. But he already decided to pass on reprising the role and cut ties with the $315 million franchise.
“You know what? It was obviously a great experience doing those films, and I would have loved to keep doing it. But they wanted me to sign on and do three more films without even seeing a script, and they offered me less money to do three than I’d get paid for one!” Statham told Vulture in an interview.
Statham wanted Deckard Shaw to me a way cooler villain
“So it was a business decision. I would have loved to have done it, but you can’t really sign on without doing a script, and to sign on for three of them? And to get paid a pittance? I just couldn’t see the value in that.”
After he refused to go for the reprise as Frank Martin, Ed Skrein took over the driving seat in The Transporter Refueled in 2015.

There is Slim Chance of Jason Statham Appearing in Hobbs & Shaw 2

One of the standout additions to the Fast & Furious universe is Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, a spin-off film that stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw.

One of the major aspects of Hobbs & Shaw is the undeniable chemistry between Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson. And, then there was news that they would go for Hobbs and Shaw 2. But Statham abandoned it and joined the mainstream Fast & Furious.
Actor, Jason Momoa
Now, for the Hobbs spinoff, it’s been in the news that Jason Momoa will be alongside Dwayne Johnson. Momoa was supposed to play the role of Mateo in Hobbs and Shaw. However, due to his busy schedule, he could not.

On an instagram post when a fan asked about Jason Momoa and why he wasn’t there, Dwayne Johnson replied in the comments:
“Yup me and Jason Momoa tried hard to get him in this movie to play my brother, but his schedule was too packed. Next Hobbs movie for sure.”
Hiram Garcia, from Seven Bucks Productions, confirmed (via TheWrap) that Hobbs & Shaw 2 is in active development: “We never like to announce anything like that prematurely… but we are writing the story.”

Currently, there are no specific casting details for Hobbs and Shaw 2. But seems like Statham is not a part of it.

Watch the Transporter franchise on Netflix.

“You don’t want to fight”: Dwayne Johnson Was a “Big Lovable Teddy Bear” Against Super Daunting Jason Statham During Their Intense Sequences

When it comes to dominating the silver screen with thrilling action and magnetic charisma, no pair can quite match the explosive energy of Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson. These action genre stars have enthralled global audiences with their gripping performances, leaving fans in wonder.
Actor, Dwayne Johnson
However, the dynamic shifts in an unexpected way behind the scenes. The 51-year-old is well-known for his intimidating wrestling appearance, but he also has a softer side that more closely resembles a big, cuddly teddy bear particularly when compared to the formidable presence of Statham.

Jason Statham Was More Intimidating Than Dwayne Johnson On The Set Of Hobbs & Shaw

In the world of action cinema, the explosive energy of Statham and Dwayne Johnson is unmatched. However, behind the scenes of Hobbs & Shaw, a surprising revelation emerged. 

Idris Elba, joined the cast as the villain, standing in opposition to the most unlikely of partners. In an interview with Stephen Colbert, Elba discussed his role, working alongside Statham and The Rock, revealing a fascinating dynamic. 
Fast And Furious Presents: Hobbs And Shaw Stars, Idris Elba, Jason Statham, And Dwayne Johnson
While the retired professional wrestler may appear to be the most formidable co-star, the actor explained that it was more daunting to work alongside the 55-year-old.

Elba delved into the reasons behind Statham’s maintained intimidating nature, shedding light on the contrasting personalities of his co-stars. Describing Statham, Elba emphasized his intense persona. He said,
“It’s Jason. He’s just like Wiry [Idris Elba lifts both fists and shakes them while making an exaggerated, intimidating facial expression]. The Rock’s kind of like, Give me a hug boy. You don’t want to fight.”
In contrast, Johnson, affectionately referred to as a “big lovable teddy bear” by Colbert, showcased a more light-hearted despite his intimidating physicality.

However, Elba’s observations provide a glimpse into the intricate dynamics and contrasting personalities that influenced the film’s production.

Dwayne Johnson And Jason Statham: A Dynamic Duo

The dynamic duo of Johnson and Jason Statham stands unparalleled. These powerhouse performers have joined forces on multiple occasions, captivating audiences worldwide with their magnetic energy.

From their explosive collaboration in the Fast & Furious franchise to their slick spinoff, Hobbs & Shaw, these two action stars have redefined the genre.
Renowned Personalities, Dwayne Johnson And Jason Statham
In the Fast & Furious universe, both personalities reprise their roles as former foes turned unlikely allies, Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw. 

The chemistry between them is electrifying, drawing viewers into their slick and meticulously choreographed fight scenes. But behind their larger-than-life personas, unexpected qualities emerge.

Contrary to stereotypes Johnson proves to be more than just a tall and daunting muscular figure. He reveals a playful and incredibly amicable side, often displaying a goofy nature that endears him to audiences.

On the other hand, Statham, known for his tough-guy persona, shifts between furious and wholly indifferent, leaving no room for in-between. Renowned for his commitment to authenticity, he has honed his skills through training in MMA alongside esteemed veterans of the sport.

Together, Johnson and Statham continue to redefine the action genre, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next thrilling adventure. 

“I’d throw some webs around”: Jason Statham’s The Beekeeper Co-Star Still Willing to Play Spider-Man After Losing to Andrew Garfield in 2012

Josh Hutcherson wouldn’t mind joining the MCU as Spider-Man even for a mere cameo!

Josh Hutcherson recently starred alongside Jason Statham in David Ayer’s 2024 The Beekeeper. Finding fame for starring alongside Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games franchise, Hutcherson’s career is not all uphill.

Taking occasional breaks, Hutcherson has not reached the extraordinary level of fame that Lawrence or Jason Statham have. The actor recently recalled how he was rejected for the role of Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man but he was open to return to the MCU!
Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games

Jason Statham’s Co-Star Doesn’t Mind Portraying Spider-Man

Starring alongside Jason Statham in the 2024 movie, Josh Hutcherson’s role as Derek Danforth was praised as the actor was also recently seen in Five Nights at Freddy’s. The actor was also rejected for the role of Spider-Man back in 2012.
Josh Hutcherson in Five Nights at Freddy’s
Also read: “He’s not getting any younger”: John Wick Stunt Coordinator Revealed Jason Statham’s Secret Juice for Performing Stunts Despite His Advanced Age

In an interview with Inverse, The Beekeeper actor talked about how he was down to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe once again if he was given a chance. Although getting rejected for The Amazing Spider-Man, Hutcherson wouldn’t mind throwing some webs around!
“You never find out. They just end up hiring somebody else. So, I never found out why. I also do know that three weeks or so after I auditioned, I ended up getting Hunger Games, so it kind of worked out.”
He further continued,
“I was a big Spider-Man fan all my life growing up from the old-school cartoons and stuff. But yeah, I’d be open to it, man. I’d throw some webs around.”
With Hutcherson getting fame for The Beekeeper, his co-star Jason Statham and director David Ayer are on even greater heights as the movie received rave reviews. David Ayer even revealed that it was Jason Statham’s action choreography that helped the movie get such exciting fight scenes!

When David Ayer Praised Jason Statham!

Jason Statham in The Beekeeper
In an interview with SlashFilm David Ayer talked about how Jason Statham schooled him about action and fight scenes even though Ayer had directed movies like Suicide Squad, Fury, and, Street Kings. 
“He schooled me. I mean, let’s be real: He’s an action icon, and he’s probably forgotten more about action than I know. He really raised my game. He really helped me get under the hood of, what is action? How does it work? And he has this encyclopedic knowledge of, like, literally every punch ever thrown on film.”
He further continued,
“The great thing with Jason is, he can come in, look at where your camera is, look at the light, understand the choreo[graphy], and go, ‘No, you need to move the camera two feet to the left.’ ‘OK, throw the punch now? Oh, dang, that worked. Wow!’ So it’s helpful, in a way, because he’s laser-focused on getting it right.”
With Jason Statham in the lead role and Josh Hutcherson starring alongside the actor, The Beekeeper received a rating of 6.7/10 on IMDB and 68% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie, with a recent release date of 12th January 2024, is currently screening in theaters across the U.S.

“He knew he was done as a diver”: Jason Statham Almost Didn’t Become an Actor Before Tom Cruise Personally Blessed His Movie That Made Him a Global Action Star

Jason Statham is a personality that people cannot deny holds a massive place in Hollywood. From being a part of the Fast and Furious franchise to working alongside some of the biggest actors. Not only has he proven numerous times that he is an amazing side character but also a formidable leading man. It would be ironic to learn that the Meg actor used to be a diver before his career in movies took off. However, it wouldn’t be a saddening fact considering just how big of a fanbase he has.
Jason Statham
It took a lot of convincing for even Statham to believe that he was worthy of being an actor. Had it not been for Tom Cruise and Guy Ritchie, that wouldn’t have happened at all and the world would have been deprived of Statham’s talent.

Jason Statham’s Career was Hanging by a Thread

Jason Statham, before he became a renowned actor, was best known to be a diver. He had been rather happy about his career and had no plans of moving forward as an actor. However, things started taking a turn after he lost his sponsorship. According to an interview with the Independent, Nick Moran revealed just how Statham got into cinema.
Jason Statham in The Meg (2018)
“Statham was a diver and he had lost his sponsorship and it was getting to a stage where he knew he was done as a diver and was about to start training as a stuntman. He then did an advert for [British fashion retailer] Stephen Marks for French Connection.”
The Transporter actor had done an advertisement where he caught the attention of Stephen Marks. From then on he just watched as Marks kept recommending him to Guy Ritchie. Ritchie understood that there must indeed have been something about the actor and so, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels came into being with Statham launching his career as an actor.

Jason Statham Did Not Think of Himself as a Real Actor

Tom Cruise had a big part to play in boosting Jason Statham’s career. Had it not been for his pitch, no one would have bought the movie when it came to the buyers’ screening. However, with his influence, he made it possible. This not only saved Statham but also Guy Ritchie. While talking with the Independent, Nick Moran revealed that Statham still does not regard himself as a real actor.
Jason Statham in a still from Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
“To this day, he says “I’m not a proper actor, you guys are proper actors”. But he’s developed into a really talented, creative, precise technician as well. In those early days, all he had was instinct and natural talent and he was very meek about that but he loved it.”
He does not see himself as a proper actor, unlike the rest of the world. Whether it is modesty or ignorance, it would be impossible to think that his talent has not been recognized. His natural talent was and still is enough to turn heads left and right.

WWE is Paying Dwayne Johnson, Who Was Once Paid $40 For Wrestling Match, Insane Money For His New Role in the Company

The Rock is swapping out his muscle shirts for business suits as he will be joining the board of directors of WWE Parent TKO Group.

Dwayne Johnson is a name that does not need an introduction. The name means different things to many people. Some associate the name with WWE legend The Rock. To some, he is a proud girl dad, who enjoys living up to the title and is often seen gushing about his daughters on social media. Others regard him as a fantastic actor who can light up the stage. Not to mention the fortitude and tenacity associated with his name because of that amazing physique of his!

And when it comes to sports, few stories are as remarkable and inspiring as The Rock’s journey. The legendary wrestler-turned-actor has gone from wrestling in parking lots for a mere $40 per match to currently serving on the board of directors for WWE with a staggering $30 million paycheck. Yes, TKO, the company that owns the WWE and UFC, has appointed the actor to its board of directors.
Dwayne Johnson (@therock | Instagram)

Dwayne Johnson’s Humble Beginnings in the Wrestling World

Starring in popular action films such as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, The Mummy Returns, and the Fast & Furious franchise, Dwayne Johnson has amassed millions of dollars in his career. But even with his current success, his pay as a professional wrestler was once only $40 per night.  Aside from wrestling to make ends meet at flea stores and used car dealerships, he had to overcome many obstacles to get to where he is now.

He discussed the challenges he had in his early professional wrestling career in an interview with Stephen Colbert in 2018:
“It was hardcore. So when I first started out, we would … live life like gypsies and I would wrestle, I had a guarantee of $40 per match every night.”
Johnson could only afford to eat at Waffle House because he was so broke. He added:
“It was long green, really long green. I was living at the Waffle House, I ate there three times a day.”
Dwayne Johnson in a still from Furious 7
In addition to the meager pay, Johnson had to swallow his pride and wrestle in some strange places, like car dealerships and flea markets. The father of three further shared:
“So Monday nights were the flea market, I would wrestle there, at the Big Top Flea Market in Memphis, Tennessee. Saturday would be the State Fair, every Saturday. And then throughout the week, we would wrestle at used-car dealerships.”
Johnson understood that he had to go through this less-than-ideal phase of his career in order to succeed in it. And guess what? You can now see the degree of success he has attained.

Dwayne Johnson’s Appointment to the TKO Board Will Bring in $30 Million

Dwayne Johnson as Hobbs in the Fast & Furious saga
We learned from CNN Business that Dwayne Johnson has joined the board of directors of TKO Group Holdings, Inc., the business endeavor formed by merging the UFC and WWE. The former professional wrestler for the WWE, who is now regarded as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and marketable stars, will join the board right away.

As part of his new contract, the company announced in a regulatory filing on Tuesday that it will give Johnson $30 million in stock awards to promote the brand. In a press release, the company also commended his “significant experience” in securing media rights and generating revenue for his other business endeavors.

As a global leader in sports and entertainment, Johnson claimed that his “crazy life is coming full circle” and that he is
“Very motivated to help continue to globally expand our TKO, WWE, and UFC businesses”.
Dwayne Johnson in a still from Baywatch
Also Read: “It’s likely gonna be His retirement match”: Potential Plans For Dwayne Johnson’s WrestleMania Return Upsets WWE Universe

He added that he’s proud to represent
“So many phenomenal athletes and performers who show up every day putting in the hard work with their own two hands to make their dreams come true and deliver for our audiences. I’ve been there, I’m still there and this is for them.”
During a segment with Jinder Mahal on Monday Night Raw (January 1, 2024), Johnson made an unexpected appearance. He took a direct jab at his cousin Roman Reigns by asking the audience if he should sit at “the head of the table” (via Wrestling Headlines).

It is undeniable that The Rock’s rise from parking lot wrestling for pennies on the dollar to a position on the WWE board of directors and a fat salary is among the greatest comeback stories in sports history.

Dwayne Johnson’s Greatest Mistake Was Letting a $561M Franchise Fall Between the Cracks, Now His WWE Return Has Sealed its Fate

Dwayne Johnson’s busy schedule led the $561M ‘Journey’ franchise to its downfall.

The 2008’s Journey To The Center Of The Earth, based on the novel by Jules Verne, starring Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson has been a classic film, that earned repeated viewership. As the movie turned into a solid hit, the studio thus decided to capitalize on the film’s success and came up with a sequel starring Dwayne Johnson, who replaced Fraser.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island was yet again adapted from Jules Verne’s novel and became an even bigger hit than the original. Garnering praise due to Dwayne Johnson’s appearance, the studio thus decided to turn Johnson into the franchise’s leading man. Following the success of the sequel, Journey 3 was soon confirmed, which was going to be filmed alongside Journey 4. However, according to recent reports, it has been revealed that the third installment has been stalled and canceled.

Dwayne Johnson’s Journey 3 Has Been Canceled 

Galloping its way into the box office, Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson’s Journey To The Center Of The Earth (2008) based on Jules Verne’s renowned novel turned into a cult classic for many fans. Although critics considered the 3D release of the film a bit gimmicky, the film was overall a massive hit, for the studio.

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The Mummy Returns 2 vs. Journey 3: Which Franchise Should Reunite The Rock and Brendan Fraser

Despite Johnson’s stature as a leading actor in the franchise and his reputation as a ‘franchise-saver’, the actor later confirmed that Journey 3 was canceled due to a lack of a proper script. Responding to fans’ questions via social media, Dwayne Johnson noted that he won’t be moving forward with the franchise. Considering the six-year gap since Journey 2, Johnson’s confirmation didn’t come as a shock to fans, as they had already dreaded this very outcome.

Dwayne Johnson’s Busy Schedule Stalled Journey 3 

According to further reports, although Dwayne Johnson revealed that Journey 3 got stalled and canceled due to a lack of a script, it was revealed that the actor was equally responsible for the cancellation. Having a hectic workload, a busy schedule, and diverting his focus on other franchises like the family-friendly adventure Jumanji movies, Johnson left the $561M Journey franchise to fall between the cracks.
Johnson as the lead actor in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Although Dwayne Johnson could eventually return to the $561M franchise, the actor got engaged in 2021’s Jungle Cruise, honoring the spirit of the Journey franchise. Further, he starred in Netflix’s 2021 action/comedy Red Notice and appeared in DCU’s 2022 action flick Black Adam. Thereafter, gaining momentum in the entertainment industry, Johnson completely shifted his focus from the Journey movies to other projects.
Dwayne Johnson at Monday Night RAW | image: WWE
Despite his recent movies following the tone of the Journey films, Dwyane Johnson had trouble moving ahead with the third installment. Further, with his WWE return, Johnson turned even more busy and failed to move forward with Journey 3. Leaving behind the $561M franchise that could have turned into an epic hit, the actor made a grave mistake, which left fans disappointed.

Johnson and Emily Blunt in Jungle Cruise (2021)
The Journey franchise could indeed have replaced Dwayne Johnson as they did with Brendan Fraser, but since the WWE champion was the essence of the franchise, the studio seemingly refused to take the risk. They rather let the promising franchise die, than replace Johnson. But considering that the studio had difficulty coming up with a solid script, indicates it might have been a good thing that Journey 3 didn’t happen.