The Dwayne Johnson Sci-Fi Action Horror Leaving Netflix
The 2005 sci-fi movie Doom, starring Dwayne Johnson, Karl Urban, Deobia Oparei, and Rosamund Pike, will be leaving Netflix, and the last day to stream it is October 1. Directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak, the movie is loosely based on the popular first-person shooter video game series of the same name, developed by id Software in 1993. The game focuses on an unnamed space marine who fights to save Earth from an apocalyptic invasion.
The Doom movie begins with a prologue set in 2026 on Mars, where scientists at the Union Aerospace Corporation’s (UAC) Olduvai Research Station have been conducting genetic experiments using a 24th chromosome to enhance human abilities. These experiments go horribly wrong, leading to a quarantine of the facility.
One of the most iconic scenes in Doom is the “first-person shooter” sequence in which the camera takes on Reaper’s perspective as he mows down demons with various weapons, mirroring the game.
The main Doom story begins years later, where viewers meet the Rapid Response Tactical Squad (RRTS) members, a group of highly trained Marines, who are sent to Olduvai after a distress call is received from the facility. The team is led by Sarge (Dwayne Johnson) and includes Reaper (Karl Urban), The Kid (Al Weaver), Destroyer (Deobia Oparei), Portman (Richard Brake), and several others.
Upon arriving at Olduvai, the Marines find the base in disarray, with bodies strewn about, signs of violence, and ominous messages written on the walls. As they investigate further, they discover that the scientists’ experiments have opened a portal, allowing dangerous creatures to enter the facility. The Marines are tasked with containing the outbreak and securing the base.
As the story unfolds, Reaper becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the outbreak and failed experiments, while Sarge adopts a ruthless approach to eliminate any threat, human or demon. One of the most iconic scenes in Doom is the “first-person shooter” sequence in which the camera takes on Reaper’s perspective as he mows down demons with various weapons, mirroring the game.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was considered for the lead before it was offered to Vin Diesel, who turned it down.
Doom was produced by John Wells Productions and Di Bonaventura Pictures, with principal photography taking place in Prague, Czech Republic. The movie performed moderately at the box office, earning approximately $58.1 million worldwide. Although filmmakers attempted to stay faithful to the source material, the project received mostly negative reviews from critics.
Doom was criticized for its thin plot, lack of character development, and reliance on action over storytelling. The film currently holds an 18 percent critics score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes alongside a slightly more favorable audience rating of 34 percent as the movie has gained a bit of a cult following among video game fans and those who enjoy sci-fi horror films.
Dwayne Johnson took on a more serious role in Doom compared to his typical action-comedy parts. However, he and Karl Urban were not the first choices for their respective roles. Arnold Schwarzenegger was considered for the lead before it was offered to Vin Diesel, who turned it down. Johnson was offered the role of John Grimm but turned it down in favor of Sarge.
“For some reason, I was drawn more to Sarge. I thought Sarge was, to me, more interesting and had a darker side,” Johnson said about his Doom role at the time. In September 2004, the roles of John and Samantha Grimm were officially filled by Karl Urban and Rosamund Pike. The members of the Rapid Response Tactical Squad underwent rigorous military training guided by military advisor Tom McAdams.
From Wrestling To Hollywood
Following his appearance in Doom, Dwayne Johnson’s career soared to new heights. He returned to wrestling sporadically as “The Rock,” maintaining a connection with his WWE roots. However, it was in Hollywood that he truly shone. Johnson established himself as a major box office draw, starring in a series of blockbuster films.
Johnson starred as Luke Hobbs in the Fast & Furious franchise and showcased his comedic prowess in Central Intelligence alongside Kevin Hart. He also lent his voice to Disney’s Moana as Maui. He later starred in the successful Jumanji reboot and its sequel. Johnson also portrayed Black Adam in a DC Comics adaptation for Warner Bros.
Johnson will next be seen in the action-adventure Christmas film Red One from director Jake Kasdan. Written by Chris Morgan from an original story by Hiram Garcia, the movie also stars Chris Evans, Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Liu, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, J. K. Simmons, Nick Kroll, and Kristofer Hivju. Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, Kasdan, Melvin Mar, and Morgan serve as producers.
While his work on Doom may have gone somewhat unnoticed compared to his later projects, it remains a notable entry in Dwayne Johnson’s filmography and the realm of video game adaptations in cinema. Despite its flaws, the movie found a niche audience among fans of the game who can catch the film before it leaves Netflix after October 1.
