Could The Rock be the next president of the United States?

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has once again stepped into the political conversation, this time by climbing the ranks of 2028 presidential betting markets. The actor and former wrestling icon is now sitting in fourth place overall, even overtaking Vice President Kamala Harris in recent updates.

According to prediction platform Polymarket, Johnson currently holds between a 5% and 7% chance of winning the 2028 presidency, placing him just behind more traditional names like J.D. Vance, Gavin Newsom and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The leap ahead of Harris, however, has drawn the most attention, with some analysts noting how remarkable it is that an entertainer is now ranked higher than the sitting vice president in betting markets.

CoinDesk highlighted the shift, reporting that Johnson’s odds recently jumped past Harris, solidifying him as a top Democratic hopeful. Yahoo Finance echoed the surprise, noting that the actor had effectively ‘shoved’ Harris down the list, a move that triggered plenty of speculation about his potential ambitions. Even if these numbers are merely reflective of public curiosity rather than genuine political infrastructure, the optics are striking.

This is far from the first time Johnson’s name has been floated in politics. Back in 2021, a poll revealed that nearly half of Americans said they would support him if he ran for president. Johnson himself has admitted that he has received overtures to consider a campaign, though he has never formally announced plans to enter politics. In interviews, he has said he would only run if he felt the public truly wanted it.

The rise of celebrity candidates is not new in American politics, with figures like Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump carving their paths from Hollywood to Washington. Still, Johnson’s ascension in betting markets underscores just how much his cultural impact resonates beyond films and wrestling. His popularity, charisma and larger-than-life image make him a compelling figure in an era where politics often overlaps with entertainment.

Whether or not Johnson seriously pursues the presidency, his climb in the 2028 odds has cemented him as a wildcard contender. For some, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the evolving political landscape; for others, it’s a worrying sign that spectacle continues to outweigh substance. Either way, The Rock is now firmly in the conversation about America’s political future.