Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is no stranger to Disney. Last year, he played the demigod Maui in the latest animated feature “Moana.”
Currently, he’s signed on to produce and star in the upcoming live-action film “Jungle Cruise.” This movie gets its inspiration from the Disney Parks attraction of the same name. In this original Disneyland attraction, guests climb on board a boat for an international river adventure.
But The Rock has bigger ideas than simply starring in the “Jungle Cruise” movie. It also looks like he’s on board to make some significant changes to the actual attraction in Disney parks across the world!
Changes Coming To Jungle Cruise Ride?
Last week, an Instagram post by The Rock announced a new partnership with Disney Imagineers regarding the beloved ride.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTehFNrleLh/?taken-by=therock
In his post, The Rock shared his excitement about being in a top-secret research and development area within the Disney company. There, he got to see the original plans Walt Disney and his brother Roy presented to bankers to get the money to build Disneyland. For any Disney fan, that’s something to geek out over.
However, later in the post, The Rock dropped a surprise no one saw coming about his expanded role tied to the Jungle Cruise.
BUT what takes this to the next level, is that we’ll partner with Disney’s brilliant Imagineers to help re-engineer and re-design the #JungleCruise ride in all the Disney theme parks around the world. A very special opportunity for us and our @sevenbucksprod to create an unforgettable and fun EXPERIENCE for families around the world. And as Walt Disney himself would say… it’s magical. Next step is finding our visionary director. Exciting times.
The next day, he followed up with a second post showing him deep in the Disney archives doing research on the attraction.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BThG_JGlV7W/?tagged=junglecruise
He shared that Walt Disney’s original concept for the ride had live animals. However, Imagineers thought better of it. Wild animals tend to get a bit agitated when people get near their territory.
Either way, it looks like The Rock is serious about making some changes to a beloved original Disneyland attraction.
So, how do Jungle Cruise fans feel about this news?
The Jungle Cruise Battle Begins
Disney fans are known to be passionate. especially when it comes to anything Walt Disney directly created. Needless to say, not everyone jumped on The Rock bandwagon when they heard the news.
“You’re an actor, act in movies. You’re not an imagineer,” complained Instagram user @wedway1995. “This is Walt’s original attraction and it has belonged to millions of people around the world for over 60 years. It’s not your business to change it.”
“Looking forward to the movie, and love you DJ, but any changes to the Jungle Cruise would be a travesty. It’s one of the best rides at Disneyland AS IS. Don’t mess with perfection!” said Instagram user @gertie.the.frenchie.
Still, others seem just as excited and open-minded to the idea of a Jungle Cruise upgrade.
“What an honor for you to be able to have input in such a treasured attraction. I am sure you must know how beloved that ride is for so many generations of families,” posted Instagram user @resaleigh. “I hope you can respect and maintain as much original concept as possible and the changes that occur aren’t selling out to the movie that was inspired by the ride. Remember. The ride came first.”
“I wouldn’t be opposed to a little new life being breathed into Jungle Cruise, but I’m not sure this is how I envisioned it,” said Josie on DisneyTouristBlog.com.
Of course, Disney has confirmed nothing at this point. Yet, The Rock’s social media posts indicate the company is seriously considering it.
What do you think? Should the new “Jungle Cruise” movie inspire changes to the ride?