Dwayne Johnson is developing a live-action Medusa movie for Disney through Seven Bucks Productions, with Johnson attached as a producer but not currently set to star, Deadline reported Friday.
The Calculus Behind the Project
The strategic significance lies in the structure: this is Seven Bucks’ first major original mythological property developed under the multiyear first-look agreement the company signed with Disney in June 2024. That deal gives the studio the first opportunity to consider Seven Bucks projects for theatrical and streaming release. By positioning Medusa as an original live-action film rather than a remake of a Disney animated title, the production sidesteps the comparative baggage that accompanies reimaginings of the studio’s own canon.
The move also leverages a proven creative infrastructure. Michael Montemayor, writing the first draft, is already inside the Disney live-action ecosystem via the upcoming Tangled adaptation directed by Michael Gracey, slated for March 31, 2028. Matt Smith, producing through Electro Corduroy Entertainment, brings direct experience from executive-producing the Maleficent franchise, which grossed $1.25 billion worldwide. That franchise demonstrated Disney’s appetite for villain-centric origin stories rooted in familiar mythology.
Greek Mythology as a Franchise Engine
The broader stakes are defined by the performance of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+. The series premiere generated 13.3 million global views across Disney+ and Hulu in its first six days, marking Disney Branded Television’s biggest-ever series premiere at the time. That success signaled a viable audience for contemporary interpretations of Greek mythology that blend ancient stories with modern sensibilities. Medusa appeared in the show’s first season, played by Jessica Parker Kennedy, establishing the character within Disney’s current mythological continuity.
Johnson’s producing track record provides the commercial floor. His films have grossed over $11.4 billion worldwide. The live-action Moana, produced by Seven Bucks and released July 10, 2026, saw Johnson reprise his role as Maui. Jungle Cruise, the previous Seven Bucks-Disney collaboration, paired Johnson with Emily Blunt. The company’s final Jumanji installment, Jumanji: Open World, is dated for Christmas Day release from Sony.
What This Signals
Johnson is not attached to star, a notable calibration. It suggests Seven Bucks is prioritizing its evolution as a content studio over building star vehicles for its founder. Melissa Fried is overseeing the project for Seven Bucks alongside partners Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia. No director, cast, or release date has been announced.
Sources
- Dwayne Johnson Is Producing Disney's Live-Action 'Medusa' Movie—but He's Not Attached to Star
- Dwayne Johnson
- 'Medusa' Movie In Works From 'Tangled' Writer, Seven Bucks
- Disney Dives Back into Greek Mythology with New Live-Action Film
- The Rock Honors Mother Ata Johnson With Traditional Samoan Dance on Her 78th Birthday
- The Rock To Produce ‘Medusa’ Live Action Project
Photo: Harald Krichel (CC BY-SA 4.0)
