Universal Pictures is officially pressing reset on one of its most troubled franchises, and that reset comes with a major change: Dwayne Johnson is no longer part of the picture. A reboot is now moving forward, signaling the end of the era that began with the 2005 adaptation that failed to connect with audiences.
The original film was positioned as a high-energy sci-fi action release built around Johnson’s rising star power at the time. Instead, it became a cautionary example of how difficult it can be to translate a beloved video game into a successful movie. The film struggled critically, underperformed at the box office, and quickly gained a reputation as one of the weaker entries in the long history of video game adaptations.
Over the years, Johnson himself has acknowledged that the movie missed the mark. While his career soared afterward, his involvement with the franchise has never been viewed as a strength worth revisiting. Universal’s decision to move forward without him makes it clear the studio is not interested in revising or expanding the existing film continuity.
What makes this reboot noteworthy is the contrast between the movie’s failure and the strength of the underlying property. The original source material, Doom, remains one of the most influential video game franchises of all time. First released in the early 1990s, it helped define the first-person shooter genre and continues to attract a massive global audience decades later.
That enduring popularity appears to be driving Universal’s renewed confidence. Rather than abandoning the brand altogether, the studio is opting to start fresh—new cast, new creative direction, and a tone that many expect will more closely reflect the intensity and atmosphere of the games.
At this stage, Universal has not announced casting details, a director, or a release window. The lack of specifics suggests the reboot is still in early development, with the studio focused on rebuilding the foundation before making any public commitments.
For fans, the reboot represents a rare second chance. The franchise’s cinematic reputation may be damaged, but its core appeal has never faded. By cutting ties with the previous cast and starting over completely, Universal is betting that the franchise can finally succeed on screen—without the baggage of past missteps.
