Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is making headlines not just for his blockbuster hits but for his heartfelt tribute to military members and his bold condemnation of some of his Hollywood peers. During a recent visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Oahu, Hawaii, Johnson celebrated his patriotism and expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices of U.S. service members, while also criticizing celebrities who, in his words, “take freedom for granted.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson thanked military members while visiting Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Oahu. (Getty images)

A Patriot’s Message: Honoring Service and Sacrifice

Johnson’s visit to the military base was more than just a photo opportunity. It was a deeply personal trip for the former WWE superstar, who has long expressed admiration for the armed forces. “My absolute honor to once again come back to sacred land and spend time with our soldiers and their families,” he wrote on social media, sharing moments from his day with troops stationed in Hawaii.

“Boundlessly grateful to all our military men and women and their families for their service,” Johnson continued. “Forever a proud patriot as our freedom is our greatest privilege.”

Johnson made it a point to engage with soldiers personally, shaking hands, sharing stories, and thanking them for their service.

Condemning ‘Ungrateful’ Celebrities

While addressing the crowd at a special screening of his new movie Moana 2, Johnson shifted his tone to call out what he sees as a growing issue in Hollywood: a lack of appreciation for the freedoms afforded by those who serve.

“Some people in our industry—people I know—seem to have forgotten what it means to be truly grateful,” Johnson said, referring to a trend of Hollywood figures publicly expressing dissatisfaction with the U.S. or even leaving the country. “Freedom isn’t free. It’s paid for by the sacrifices of men and women in uniform, and it’s our greatest privilege as Americans. Turning your back on that is not just ungrateful; it’s disrespectful.”

Although he didn’t name names, Johnson’s remarks resonated with many who share his belief in honoring the sacrifices made by service members to protect the freedoms enjoyed by citizens.

A Special Moment with the Troops

The highlight of Johnson’s visit was a private screening of Disney’s Moana 2, the sequel to the 2016 animated hit in which he voices the character Maui. Addressing a theater packed with service members and their families, Johnson shared how the story celebrates Polynesian culture and heritage, a subject close to his heart.

“We’re very excited about this movie because it’s about our culture, our people, our islands,” he said. Reflecting on his own upbringing in Hawaii, Johnson added, “I grew up here, on the other side of the island. As a kid and a teenager, I was doing a lot of things I shouldn’t have been doing. Being here today, in front of all of you, means the world to me.”

Before leaving, Johnson was presented with a flag of the joint base as a token of appreciation. Overwhelmed with emotion, he told the crowd, “I love you guys. Thank you for your service, all of you. I love you so much.”

A Record-Breaking Success

Johnson’s visit coincided with the record-breaking release of Moana 2. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the film brought in $221 million domestically and an additional $165 million internationally, making it a global sensation with $386 million in total box office sales.

“It’s incredible to see how much this story resonates with people around the world,” Johnson said. “But for me, the real joy is sharing it with all of you—our heroes.”