Universal Pictures is quietly closing the book on a failed chapter in its film history. The studio is developing a reboot of a once-promising franchise, and in doing so, has officially moved on from the version associated with Dwayne Johnson.
The decision marks a clear acknowledgment that the original adaptation never worked. Released in 2005, the film attempted to turn a hugely popular video game into a mainstream action movie. Despite a recognizable cast and a sizable budget, the project failed to resonate with critics or audiences and quickly faded from relevance.
Universal made one additional attempt to revive the property years later, but that effort also failed to gain traction. Together, those releases left the franchise with a damaged reputation in Hollywood, even as the source material continued to thrive elsewhere.
That disconnect is impossible to ignore. While the films struggled, the video game franchise remained dominant. Doom has continued to sell millions of copies, influence modern game design, and maintain a loyal fan base across generations. Its success has never depended on its film adaptations—and that reality is shaping Universal’s new approach.
By scrapping the Johnson-era continuity entirely, Universal is signaling that this reboot will not be a sequel, spin-off, or reimagining of earlier films. Instead, it will function as a true restart, free from previous creative decisions that limited the franchise’s potential.
Industry expectations suggest the studio may pursue a darker, more game-faithful tone this time around, though no official details have been confirmed. Casting, creative leadership, and a release timeline remain under wraps, reinforcing the idea that Universal is taking a cautious, deliberate approach.
For Universal, this reboot is less about nostalgia and more about correction. The studio is betting that audiences are willing to give the franchise another chance—provided it finally delivers an experience that matches what made the games so successful in the first place.
Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the next chapter will look very different from the last. The Dwayne Johnson era is officially over, and Universal is moving forward with a clean slate and something to prove.
