The Grévin Museum in Paris has announced that it will be redesigning its wax figure of Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, following criticism on social media. The statue, unveiled last week, received widespread ridicule for its noticeably lighter skin tone compared to Johnson’s own. Online critics and even Johnson himself expressed their disappointment with the portrayal, prompting the museum to respond and assure the public that improvements are already in the works. The Grévin Museum is known for its collection of over 250 celebrity wax figures, including notable personalities such as Angelina Jolie, President Joe Biden, and Serge Gainsbourg. The controversy surrounding the Johnson figure is not the first time the museum has faced backlash for its portrayal of Black celebrities, indicating a larger issue in the realm of wax figure representation.
The Rock’s Wax Figure to Undergo Redesign, Museum Announces
Background Information
The Grévin Museum in Paris has announced that it will be redesigning its wax figure of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson following criticism and backlash on social media. The statue, which was unveiled last week, received considerable online ridicule, with many noting that the skin tone of the figure appeared lighter than Johnson’s actual complexion. This controversy prompted the museum to reconsider and make necessary adjustments to ensure a more accurate representation of the actor.
The Unveiling of the Wax Figure
The wax figure of Dwayne Johnson was unveiled at the Grévin Museum in Paris just last week. The statue portrayed the renowned actor and former professional wrestler in a blue polo and slacks, with his arms crossed and a slight smirk on his face. However, soon after its unveiling, the figure faced severe criticism online. The most prominent aspect of the backlash was the discrepancy in the skin tone, with many pointing out that the statue appeared “melanin deficient” compared to Johnson’s actual heritage of being Samoan and Black.
Online Criticism
Following the unveiling of the wax figure, social media platforms were inundated with negative comments and critique of the statue’s inaccurate portrayal of Dwayne Johnson. The most common critique was centered around the skin tone, with users expressing their disappointment and disbelief that an institution as reputable as the Grévin Museum could make such an oversight. Commenters pointed out that Johnson’s heritage was a significant part of his identity and should have been accurately represented in the wax figure.
Johnson’s Response
Amidst the online backlash, Dwayne Johnson himself decided to address the issue. The actor took to his Instagram account to share a video from comedian James Andre Jefferson Jr., who humorously compared the statue to an employee of H&R Block, a tax preparation company. Johnson expressed his agreement with the criticisms and pledged to work with the museum to fix the issues, especially the mismatched skin tone. His response not only showcased his humility but also highlighted the importance of accurate representation and cultural sensitivity.
The Museum’s Response
Acknowledging the criticism and the concerns raised by Dwayne Johnson, the Grévin Museum responded promptly. Through an Instagram story, the museum conveyed that it had taken the feedback into account and was already working towards improving the wax figure. The museum’s artists have since committed to revisiting the design and ensuring that the statue is a more faithful representation of Dwayne Johnson’s appearance. This response from the museum demonstrated its willingness to listen to public opinion and its commitment to rectify any missteps.
The Design Process
The Grévin Museum shed light on the meticulous design process involved in creating the wax figure of Dwayne Johnson. The museum explained that it took them ten days to replicate the actor’s intricate tattoos, showcasing their attention to detail. Moreover, the artists at the museum had to redo the eyes of the statue three times, emphasizing the complexity of capturing realism. Stéphane Barret, the artist responsible for sculpting the figure, stated that the most challenging aspect of creating a realistic statue was making it come to life from the visitors’ perspective.
Previous Controversies
This is not the first time that the Grévin Museum has faced criticism for its portrayal of Black celebrities. In 2019, the museum’s wax figure of supermodel Naomi Campbell was ranked among the “most cursed celebrity wax figures of all time” by W magazine. These instances highlight a recurring issue faced by wax museums, where the accuracy of representing diverse cultural backgrounds is sometimes compromised. The pressure to recreate a lifelike statue of public figures becomes exponentially more challenging when dealing with different skin tones and features.
Reactions to the Redesign
While the controversy surrounding the wax figure initially sparked negative reactions, the announcement of the redesign has been met with a mix of relief and anticipation. Many social media users have expressed their appreciation for Dwayne Johnson addressing the issue personally, as it not only reflects his commitment to authenticity but also demonstrates his influence as a cultural icon. The public response to the museum’s willingness to rectify the statue’s inaccuracies has been largely positive, with people applauding the institution’s responsiveness to public opinion.
The Future of the Wax Figure
With the Grévin Museum’s commitment to redesigning the wax figure, it is expected that the revised statue will accurately depict Dwayne Johnson’s heritage and appearance. The museum’s response and willingness to listen to feedback present an opportunity for them to ensure better representation and avoid similar controversies in the future. Given the heightened awareness surrounding cultural sensitivity and accurate portrayal, it is crucial for institutions like the Grévin Museum to prioritize diversity and inclusivity in their artistic endeavors.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Dwayne Johnson’s wax figure demonstrates the power of social media in influencing institutions to reassess their choices and acknowledge public opinion. The Grévin Museum’s decision to heed the concerns and criticism surrounding the statue’s inaccurate portrayal is a step towards rectifying the issue and fostering better representation. As the redesign process commences, it is essential for museums and other cultural institutions to prioritize inclusivity and authenticity to ensure that they accurately reflect the diverse world we live in. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and accurate representation in the realm of art and popular culture.
