Ali
Dwayne Johnson is headed back to the beginning!
The box-office superstar is set to produce a reboot of “The Scorpion King”, the 2002 film in which the former wrestler headlined, first appearing as the character in Universal’s box-office smash hit “The Mummy Returns”.
The new take, which Universal and Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions will produce, will not feature Johnson in the title role. Deadline, who have the scoop, say it’s unlikely the busy actor will even make an appearance in the film but that could change once it goes into production.
The original film, directed by Chuck Russell, followed a desert warrior that rises up against the evil army that is destroying his homeland. Plot details are vague on what this reboot will do differently then the original, but sources do say that unlike the original, this one will be a contemporary take set in modern times.
Jonathan Herman, who was nominated an Oscar for his work on “Straight Outta Compton”, will pen the screenplay.
“The Scorpion King was my very first role ever on the silver screen and I’m honored and excited to reimagine and deliver this cool mythology to a whole new generation,” said Johnson. “I wouldn’t have had the career I’m lucky enough to have had it not been for The Scorpion King and I’m thrilled that we at Seven Bucks Productions can help create those same opportunities for other hardworking actors today. I believe Jonathan Herman will put in the hard work to deliver a fantastic script for our global audience.”
Universal’s Senior VP Production Jay Polidoro and creative executive Tony Ducret will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
“The original Scorpion King was a crucial catalyst helping to catapult us into the world of film,” said Dany Garcia. “To be able to now produce the next iteration as part of our Seven Bucks Productions slate is a special, full-circle moment, a testament to what we have been fortunate enough to build for our audience and ultimately a humble reminder of the timeless value of authentic storytelling.”
