Dwayne Johnson
Star actor Dwayne Johnson has been contracted to play Hawaiian legendary conqueror King Kamehameha I in a new screenplay titled The King.
According to Maui Now, the new historical epic film will be based on the life events of Kamehameha I, his fabled life. The New Line Cinema film will be directed by Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis. The screenwriter is Randall Wallace.
Confirming the reports, Dwayne shared on Instagram: “KA LA HIKI OLA. The dawning of a new day with hope and promise. Humbled & grateful to begin this once in a lifetime journey. KING KAMEHAMEHA – the legendary King was the first to unite the warring Hawaiian islands — fulfilling the prophecy that surrounded his fabled life since birth and creating the powerful & spiritual 50th state as we know it today. Academy Award-winning director, Robert Zemeckis (FORREST GUMP) will direct. Academy Award-nominated writer, Randall Wallace (Braveheart) will write. From the day I began my Hollywood career (2001), my dream was to bring this legacy to life. In Polynesian culture, we have a belief, that something isn’t done when it’s ready… it’s done when it’s right. The time is right. The one who walks alone.”
Check out some Twitter reactions to the reports:
The Rock has been saying for nearly two decades that he wants to play Kamehameha the Great. He went to high school in Hawaii and has made it clear that he loves the islands. Still it’s hard to imagine Hollywood will do justice to such a complicated story. https://t.co/uDUwYUgfZD
— Michelle Broder Van Dyke (@MBVD) August 29, 2018
The Rock & King Kamehameha movie been in talks since 2004, honestly forgot all about it. Robert Zemeckis directed some great epics before like: Braveheart
Hopefully they worked closely w/ Kanaka professors etc for historical accuracy.
(Can’t be jumping off buildings) #TheKing https://t.co/h0FuJJvhLy— hiSEAN808 (@Oahu_Raider808) August 29, 2018
A REAL MOVIE. On location. Realistic action and truthful dialogue. YES YES YES
— The Hypeguy! (@DylanfromBklyn) August 29, 2018