For decades, Dwayne Johnson has portrayed a form of hyper-masculinity in popular culture. His screen persona now stands in sharp contrast after a recent red carpet appearance. At the 2026 Met Gala, The Rock arrived wearing a skirt.
Dwayne Johnson wears a skirt to the Met Gala.
“In our culture, Polynesian culture we rock lavalavas, we rock skirts…The most masculine men…wear skirts.” pic.twitter.com/hDB4CcA4jt
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 5, 2026
This follows comments the actor made at this year’s CinemaCon. He discussed what he believes “real masculinity” looks like. Together, his fashion choices and cultural commentary are sparking discussion.
A Met Gala Moment
The theme of this year’s Met Gala was “Fashion is Art.” Many celebrities used it as an opportunity to wear bold and unconventional outfits. The Rock chose a relatively restrained look, with a black tailcoat, bow tie, and a pleated skirt.
When asked how he felt about wearing a skirt to the event, The Rock said, “I feel great!” He added that custom designs by Thom Browne were sent to him for approval. There was apparently some doubt from Browne’s team about whether he would respond positively to the look.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at the 2026 Met Gala – Entertainment Tonight, YouTube
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“I was like, ‘Look, in our culture, Polynesian culture, we rock lavalavas, we rock skirts,’” Johnson told Variety. “The most masculine men, not that I’m one of them, but the most masculine men wear lavalavas and skirts.” Notably, May is also designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Critics argue that his comments function as a kind of interpretive shield. Anyone objecting to The Rock wearing a skirt could be framed as objecting to his culture rather than the outfit itself. The broader issue, for many, is how cultural reference is used in modern celebrity moments to preempt criticism while expanding the meaning of masculinity in public discourse.
Defining “Real Masculinity”
Speaking at CinemaCon while promoting Disney’s live-action Moana in April, Johnson addressed the topic of masculinity. “All men of all ages, we should empower and support and champion all women,” he told the crowd. “That’s what real masculinity looks like.” He also said “the hero of our story is not a princess, she’s a warrior,” and described his character’s role as one that would “guide and empower” Moana.
Moana in the live action movie – YouTube, Disney
Some felt the comments reflected an ongoing trend in entertainment, where male characters are increasingly positioned in secondary roles to women. Strong, stoic protector figures—like those Johnson has often portrayed—are, critics argue, more often framed as supporters rather than central heroes, and in some cases even as narrative obstacles.
The more immediate question is, does real masculinity look like The Rock in a skirt?
A Cultural Turning Point
Ultimately, Johnson’s comments and Met Gala look reflect a moment that is trying to reframe masculinity. Fans who remember him from his WWE and action film era may reject this shift as inconsistent with the persona they first came to respect.
The Rock, Karen Gillian, and Jack Black in Jumanji – Sony
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Yet for now, the industry seems intent on its current trajectory. Whether audiences accept the reframing or reject it will become apparent in online debate, movie tickets sold, and minutes streamed.
In the end, the question is less about the skirt itself. It is about who gets to define masculinity, and how fluid that definition is allowed to become in modern media.
How do you feel about The Rock showing up to the Met Gala in a skirt? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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