Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson halted a Universal Studios Hollywood backlot tram to greet thrilled fans on Nov. 24, 2025, amid Jumanji 4 production. The impromptu meet-and-greet, shared on social media, honors Robin Williams and sparks joy—see videos, fan reactions, and filming updates.
Los Angeles, Nov. 25, 2025 – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson turned a routine Universal Studios Hollywood tour into an unforgettable spectacle on Monday, derailing a backlot tram to deliver high-fives, hugs, and his signature charisma to a group of wide-eyed fans. Fresh off kicking off production for Jumanji: The Next Level sequel—tentatively Jumanji 4—the 53-year-old superstar caught the tram by surprise near his Seven Bucks Productions bungalow, turning a casual drive-by into a full-blown fan frenzy. Videos of the moment exploded online, amassing millions of views and drawing praise for Johnson’s genuine fan-first vibe.
Filming for Jumanji 4, directed by Jake Kasdan, officially started last Wednesday at Universal’s backlot, with Johnson reprising his role as Dr. Smolder Bravestone alongside returning stars like Karen Gillan, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart. The surprise came as Johnson drove his golf cart past the tour, prompting him to stop and wave everyone over for an impromptu Q&A and photos. “History lesson time!” he boomed, per eyewitness accounts, before sharing laughs and posing for selfies.
One fan, a young girl in a Jumanji tee, teared up during a hug, while a dad shouted, “This is better than the ride!” Johnson, ever the showman, quipped about the film’s “wild new levels” without spoilers, teasing Hart’s “stunt man shoutouts” from set.
Behind-the-Scenes Buzz: Honoring Robin Williams and Ramp-Up Excitement
The encounter doubled as a nod to the franchise’s roots, with Johnson posting a heartfelt Instagram video from the lot, reflecting on Robin Williams’ original Jumanji legacy. “Day one of Jumanji excitement—honoring Robin while we level up,” he captioned, sharing glimpses of the bungalow and his “tree trunk legs” in costume. Production, delayed from 2024 strikes, aims for a 2027 release, blending practical effects with VR-inspired “game” sequences.
Fans on X and Reddit erupted with envy and adoration: “You’re casually on vacation and The Rock stops next to you? Goals,” one Cinemablend commenter wrote. Another recalled a 2017 Universal Orlando stunt with Jimmy Fallon, where Johnson photobombed as a mascot, reducing a fan to tears. This latest gesture cements his rep as Hollywood’s most approachable A-lister.
- Filming Highlights: Starts Nov. 19; Cast: Johnson, Hart, Gillan, Black; Plot Tease: “Deeper jungle, higher stakes.”
- Fan Perks: Tram riders got signed Jumanji posters; Johnson gifted Under Armour swag.
Johnson’s Busy Slate: From Moana to More Surprises
Amid Jumanji duties, Johnson juggles Disney’s live-action Moana remake (July 2026), where he reprises Maui—though recent rumors of his exit were debunked. A teaser trailer dropped last week, sparking memes over his “smaller” CGI-scaled height, but fans raved: “No one does Maui better.” He’s also prepping The Smashing Machine biopic and pitching himself for The Devil Wears Prada 2 cameos.
These fan interactions aren’t scripted—Johnson’s known for them, from a 2024 Disney lot surprise for an 11-year-old superfan during Moana voice work. “I will never forget this day,” he posted then, echoing Monday’s joy.
Dwayne Johnson’s Universal Studios surprise is peak Rock: spontaneous, heartfelt, and larger-than-life. As Jumanji 4 rolls cameras, this tram takeover reminds us why he’s a fan favorite—bridging Hollywood gloss with real connection. With Moana waves crashing soon, expect more magic from the People’s Champ.