The Rock Requests a Makeover for His Paris Wax Figure: A Shade Too Light?
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has recently expressed his dissatisfaction with his newly-unveiled wax figure at the prestigious Grevin Museum in Paris. Johnson disclosed that he has directed his team to communicate with the museum, asking for a crucial modification to the sculpture: its skin tone.
The initial conversation around the wax figure was ignited by comedian James Andre Jefferson Jr., who humorously critiqued it in an Instagram reel. According to Jefferson, the wax figure looked as if Johnson had never experienced a sunny day. Playing along with the humor, Jefferson further quipped that the museum had transformed "The Rock" into a mere "pebble," referencing the noticeably lighter skin tone of the figure.
This didn't go unnoticed by Johnson, who is of Black and Samoan descent. Taking to his own Instagram page, the actor reposted Jefferson's video and stated his intentions to address the issue with the museum. He mentioned that on his next trip to Paris, he'd even consider "having a drink with himself" after the necessary updates were made to the wax statue.
Grevin Museum, a place renowned for its lifelike wax figures of famous personalities has yet to comment publicly on Johnson's request. The wax figure in question was sculpted by Stéphane Barret, who relied on photographs and videos of Johnson for reference instead of meeting the celebrity in person. The museum revealed in a news release that Barrett's team even visited various gyms in search of a man whose physique closely resembled Johnson's impressive build.
Barret has admitted the complexities of creating the statue, particularly in capturing Johnson's signature subtle smirk. Details like Johnson's eyes were carefully redone three times to ensure they conveyed the appropriate warmth, and it took the artists an extensive 10 days to perfectly paint his Samoan tattoos.
At this time, CBS News is waiting for a response from the Grevin Museum regarding the matter.
Johnson, a multifaceted talent, started his career in the WWE and stands at an imposing 6'5'' and weighs around 260 lbs. He transitioned into acting and has gained prominence through roles in action-packed films like the "Fast & Furious" series. He was Hollywood's highest-paid actor from 2016 and again from 2019 to 2021, according to Forbes. Johnson's diverse background includes a mother of Samoan descent and a father, Canadian wrestler Rocky Johnson, who is Black. The actor identifies as both Black and Samoan, and even starred in a 2021 autobiographical sitcom called "Young Rock," exploring his early years and upbringing.
The Grevin Museum's wax figure situation puts the spotlight on a nuanced issue, that of representation and authenticity in public portrayals of celebrities. It’s not just a statue; it’s a reflection of how a global icon is viewed by the world, making Johnson’s request for a more accurate representation not just an aesthetic choice, but an important statement.
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