The Grévin Museum has officially followed through with their game plan. Days after the Parisian institution debuted a wax figure of Dwayne Johnson that was criticized for its lighter appearance—including by the Game Plan star himself—the organization has updated his statue to include the “important details” he noted were missing.
“A week ago, we unveiled the Dwayne Johnson waxwork and we got a surprise when we put him under the lights,” Yves Delhommeau, the museum’s managing director, said in an Oct. 25 Instagram video. “His skin tone seemed too pale. And suddenly we realized, we might have got it wrong.”
Referring to the “widespread attention” his initial replica received on social media, the director explained that the team went back to work on “this amazing waxwork, so that it better represents him.”
In case you missed it, Dwayne previously weighed in on the statue meant to be his likeness after its unveiling, addressing the chatter head-on. “For the record, I’m going to have my team reach out to our friends at Grevin Museum, in Paris, France so we can work at ‘updating’ my wax figure here with some important details and improvements, starting with my skin color,” he wrote, in part, in an Oct. 22 Instagram post. “And next time I’m in Paris, I’ll stop in and have a drink with myself.”
Shortly after the retired wrestling pro shared his thoughts, the museum confirmed they would indeed update his likeness, telling Deadline in an Oct. 23 statement, “Dwayne Johnson is right and we noticed it and will obviously remedy it as quickly as possible and send him new photos once completed.”
The initial controversy arose when fans and critics pointed out that the wax figure’s skin tone did not accurately reflect Johnson’s real-life appearance. Social media was abuzz with comments and memes highlighting the stark difference, prompting the museum to take immediate action.
Delhommeau’s response indicates a proactive approach to rectify the mistake, acknowledging the importance of accuracy and representation in their exhibits. The Grévin Museum, known for its lifelike wax figures of celebrities and historical figures, prides itself on the meticulous process of creating these sculptures. Each figure typically involves extensive research, numerous photographs, and measurements to ensure they capture the person’s likeness as accurately as possible.
Johnson’s light-hearted yet pointed comment about his wax figure underscores a broader issue in media representation. Accurate portrayals of skin color and ethnicity are crucial in respecting and honoring the identities of individuals, especially for public figures who have a significant influence on diverse audiences worldwide.
This incident also highlights the responsiveness and accountability of cultural institutions like the Grévin Museum when confronted with legitimate criticism. By addressing the issue publicly and committing to a correction, the museum demonstrates its dedication to maintaining high standards and respecting the figures it immortalizes.
The updated wax figure of Dwayne Johnson will now more accurately reflect his appearance, ensuring that visitors to the museum see a true representation of the beloved actor and former professional wrestler. This correction not only honors Johnson but also respects the diverse audience that comes to see these figures.
The Grévin Museum’s swift action and transparent communication with the public serve as a positive example of how institutions can handle feedback and improve their offerings. It is a reminder of the importance of continuous improvement and the willingness to correct mistakes in pursuit of excellence and authenticity.
As the museum moves forward with this correction, it also sets a precedent for other institutions to follow, ensuring that all representations are handled with the utmost care and respect. This commitment to accuracy will likely enhance the museum’s reputation and reinforce its dedication to cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness.
Dwayne Johnson’s involvement in addressing the issue also highlights his commitment to accurate representation and his influence in prompting positive change. His proactive stance in reaching out to the museum and his engagement with fans on social media demonstrate his role as a public figure who is attentive to issues of representation and identity.
In conclusion, the Grévin Museum’s update to Dwayne Johnson’s wax figure is a significant step in ensuring accurate representation and cultural sensitivity. This action, prompted by Johnson’s feedback and public discourse, underscores the importance of accountability and responsiveness in cultural institutions. As the museum corrects this mistake, it not only honors Johnson’s likeness but also sets a positive example for accurate and respectful representation in all public displays.
