Travicity
01-25-2011, 10:25 PM
Behind the Wheel with Dwayne Johnson
The Fast Five actor talks about joining the Fast franchise, The Expendables and more!
4
On the Rocky Road
Not since WrestleMania XIX has the world so eagerly awaited a main event match-up between Dwayne Johnson and a bald guy. Luckily with Fast Five we're getting all that and more.
In Fast Five Dwayne Johnson not only shares screen time with Vin Diesel, he joins a massive cast - one that brings Fast & Furious stars from each installment to the series including Paul Walker, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang from Tokyo Drift, and Jordana Brewester.
In the film Dwayne Johnson plays a ruthless federal agent Luke Hobbs, one who is prepared to move heaven and earth in order to catch fleeing fugitives Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and Brian O' Connor (Paul Walker) dead or alive.
We spoke with Dwayne on set in Atlanta, Georgia. He chats away about being the new guy in town, his action star status, and what lies ahead (The Expendables 2?)
3
Climbing Aboard
Are you at your heaviest since your wrestling days?
Dwayne Johnson: I would say so, probably. I don't know if I was this heavy when I was wrestling - probably about five pounds.
You have always had a clear strategy for your career with increasingly visible roles. What prompted you to jump into the 5th film of this series as opposed to taking on something else?
Dwayne Johnson: It was an opportunity to work with Universal again, the studio that I started my career with. I did my first four movies with Universal. Always like their management, their executives, how they approach their business and this was anopportunity to work with Universal and be a part of a very successful franchise and the opportunity to work with Vin [Diesel]. I've known Vin for a long time an we've always talked about doing something together, but as long as it was right and wasn't forced. This felt like the right opportunity to create a formidable adversary for him and one that was believable and that we could get on screen and rumble and dance and have some fun.
Well you...
Dwayne Johnson: DON'T CUT ME OFF MAN! I'M NOT DONE TALKING! [laughter all around]
Well you were just in You Again in this small, little role. Is there a different challenge or is it more fun t come into this big ensemble where you are a smaller part?
Dwayne Johnson: Well, You Again was a favor to Andy. I think the challenge in coming on to something like this that is not only successful, but a lot of these characters in this movie are beloved characters. And to be able to find the character that we can infuse storywise and not only that, but elevate the movie and story ina w ay that was interesting and intriguing is that challenge. I enjoyed working with the writer and spent a lot of time with Justin. We talked about story and about character and from the first time Universal approached me, I spoke to Universal, Justin and my main attention was how can I come on an elevate this - that was important to me. I think we found a way.
2
Know Your Roles
What can you tell us about Hobbs and how he fits into the film and his role?
Dwayne Johnson: Storywise, Dom and Brian are accused of murder. There are two DEA agents who are murdered and the murder gets pinned on them and Mia. I'm sent to find guys when the government needs to find - haha, it sounds like The A-Team. In a way he is a bounty hunter, but he is a U.S. Marshal sent down to Brazil to find these guys. Fun character to play, where I am able to be efficient in the skills - and not only efficient in the skills and having that animalistic, visceral way that I can rip your fucking throat out, excuse my language, but also have the backing o the U.S. government - a fun, fun character.
Is it kind of like the Tommy Lee Jones character in The Fugitive where he is after the bad guy, but realizes he might not be that bad?
Dwayne Johnson: It is very similar to that. The only difference is the physicality aspect, which I am able to bring, which heightens things for me, because ultimately I think from an audience standpoint, you want to see that. You want to see Vin and I go at it.
When I think about this plot, it almost brings me back to Heat, and thinking about the amazing anticipation of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro going to meet - these two iconic actors and characters. And now we are going to have a more beefed up version of that where maybe instead of just talking at a diner, you guys would beat the hell out of each other in the diner. I'm looking forward to this buildup of your encounter. Is that something you've been looking forward to in this film?
Dwayne Johnson: 100%. Sure. So you guys talk in a diner? Yes, yes, yes. Over a cappuccino. It's a wonderful scene. One cappuccino with two straws. That was something I was looking forward to and just as a fan of movies and a fan of genres this is an awesome opportunity that doesn't come along very often where you can have two guys who are successful and put it down and go at it. There are some great scenes in the movie where we do talk, and it's a nice, stinging conversation and the intensity is palpable- it's in the air. But then fuck talking, eventually you gotta get down and kick some ass. Again, I'm sorry for the language.
The first trailer for Faster landed online and the response was very, very strong, especially from fans of yours who have been waiting for the return to action. This feels like a continuation of that. There are very few guys who are real actions tars left. Is that something you are moving back towards?
Dwayne Johnson: It is always about opportunity for me. And those of you who know me know we have discussed this in the past. It is about creating opportunity day to day. There was an opportunity to do three family movies in a row, putting me in a space where I can continue to entertain, knowing that we were still developing on the other end like a Faster, like these intense action movies we were developing. Well, this is ready and it is in the family genre and it tells a good story. The other is not ready, so let's go. Believe me, I love to entertain, across the board - I love that and enjoy that. At my core, I am a physical guy, a visceral guy, and I love kickin' ass. I love it, so if I can continue to, it comes down to what's available, what's ready, what's cooking? I was pretty damn happy with that red-band trailer [for Faster].
1
Expendable Future
And again, fans have gone crazy for it, because it is very stripped down, very actiony and there is a hunger for that right now. The Expendables proved that last year. That was old school guys kicking the shit out of each other.
Dwayne Johnson: Right, right, well that's what you are gonna get in Faster.
You generally play the character that we root for. In this film are you a clear cut villain? Will audiences still be on your side?
Dwayne Johnson: No, no that's gonna be interesting. I'm not sure where the audiences will be. I just know that I'm rooted in my own truth and my truth is I have a list and your name came up on that list and I'm gonna hunt you and find you and bring you in. If they root for me, great. If they don't, great, I'm still kicking ass.
Can you talk a little bit about -
Dwayne Johnson: No. No. (laughter)
- the Gurkha and Elsa [Pataky] talked about this big gun you're just wailing away with. Can you talk a bit about that?
Dwayne Johnson: [Flexes bicep] It's called my third gun. Wow. The Rock's third gun. Haha, I'm sorry, what were we -
Elsa mentioned she's got this little pistol and you've got his big machine gun and you're firing away. All I could think about what the BFG.
Dwayne Johnson: Right, right, right. Wow, you saw Doom, then. One of the few.... One weapon I have is a very big revolver and I'm attracted to guns like that - just big and muscular and masculine. I like revolvers, though, too. Powerful guns to me. I have one in Faster and have one in this movie as well. I also have a much bigger gun that is automatic - there is this one scene where Elsa and I are firing side by side and we are all kind of laughing at it because Elsa is such a petite woman - very beautiful, but petite - and next to me she looks very, very tiny. She looks like a little girl and she has her little 'pew pew' and I've got me 'doodoodoodoodoo.' When it is stripped down it will be very serious, but we laugh because it's funny. The cars in the movie are going to be what you expect. They are dynamite vehicles from fast cars to muscle cars to military Gurkha, which is a big, 10-ton absurdly badass vehicle. When we land in Brazil, I've got me, my men and my Gurkha.
Did you know the franchise well when you got the character? Did you go back and watch the films or did you not want to go back, since your character meets Dom and Brian fresh?
Dwayne Johnson: Well, I am familiar with their success and I had seen the last one and the opening was a dynamite opening. I e-mailed Vin that Saturday and said congratulations. But with all movies I do, I feel it's just important to sit down with the director and let's just talk, shoot the shit, talk about the character, talk about the story, talk about how I come in and help and elevate and that's what I do and want to know how to do. And then we come up with different scenarios and character traits.
If Stallone ever did come to you for The Expendables sequel would you do it?
Dwayne Johnson: I think he tried to come to me for the first one. I was unavailable or something like that. We had talked about doing something together. I would love to work with him. I wouldn't rule The Expendables out. Great success for him and I'm very happy for him - and all the guys by the way! Really cool. But always, always flexible if the story is right. I'd love to work with him in some capacity.
UGO
The Fast Five actor talks about joining the Fast franchise, The Expendables and more!
4
On the Rocky Road
Not since WrestleMania XIX has the world so eagerly awaited a main event match-up between Dwayne Johnson and a bald guy. Luckily with Fast Five we're getting all that and more.
In Fast Five Dwayne Johnson not only shares screen time with Vin Diesel, he joins a massive cast - one that brings Fast & Furious stars from each installment to the series including Paul Walker, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang from Tokyo Drift, and Jordana Brewester.
In the film Dwayne Johnson plays a ruthless federal agent Luke Hobbs, one who is prepared to move heaven and earth in order to catch fleeing fugitives Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and Brian O' Connor (Paul Walker) dead or alive.
We spoke with Dwayne on set in Atlanta, Georgia. He chats away about being the new guy in town, his action star status, and what lies ahead (The Expendables 2?)
3
Climbing Aboard
Are you at your heaviest since your wrestling days?
Dwayne Johnson: I would say so, probably. I don't know if I was this heavy when I was wrestling - probably about five pounds.
You have always had a clear strategy for your career with increasingly visible roles. What prompted you to jump into the 5th film of this series as opposed to taking on something else?
Dwayne Johnson: It was an opportunity to work with Universal again, the studio that I started my career with. I did my first four movies with Universal. Always like their management, their executives, how they approach their business and this was anopportunity to work with Universal and be a part of a very successful franchise and the opportunity to work with Vin [Diesel]. I've known Vin for a long time an we've always talked about doing something together, but as long as it was right and wasn't forced. This felt like the right opportunity to create a formidable adversary for him and one that was believable and that we could get on screen and rumble and dance and have some fun.
Well you...
Dwayne Johnson: DON'T CUT ME OFF MAN! I'M NOT DONE TALKING! [laughter all around]
Well you were just in You Again in this small, little role. Is there a different challenge or is it more fun t come into this big ensemble where you are a smaller part?
Dwayne Johnson: Well, You Again was a favor to Andy. I think the challenge in coming on to something like this that is not only successful, but a lot of these characters in this movie are beloved characters. And to be able to find the character that we can infuse storywise and not only that, but elevate the movie and story ina w ay that was interesting and intriguing is that challenge. I enjoyed working with the writer and spent a lot of time with Justin. We talked about story and about character and from the first time Universal approached me, I spoke to Universal, Justin and my main attention was how can I come on an elevate this - that was important to me. I think we found a way.
2
Know Your Roles
What can you tell us about Hobbs and how he fits into the film and his role?
Dwayne Johnson: Storywise, Dom and Brian are accused of murder. There are two DEA agents who are murdered and the murder gets pinned on them and Mia. I'm sent to find guys when the government needs to find - haha, it sounds like The A-Team. In a way he is a bounty hunter, but he is a U.S. Marshal sent down to Brazil to find these guys. Fun character to play, where I am able to be efficient in the skills - and not only efficient in the skills and having that animalistic, visceral way that I can rip your fucking throat out, excuse my language, but also have the backing o the U.S. government - a fun, fun character.
Is it kind of like the Tommy Lee Jones character in The Fugitive where he is after the bad guy, but realizes he might not be that bad?
Dwayne Johnson: It is very similar to that. The only difference is the physicality aspect, which I am able to bring, which heightens things for me, because ultimately I think from an audience standpoint, you want to see that. You want to see Vin and I go at it.
When I think about this plot, it almost brings me back to Heat, and thinking about the amazing anticipation of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro going to meet - these two iconic actors and characters. And now we are going to have a more beefed up version of that where maybe instead of just talking at a diner, you guys would beat the hell out of each other in the diner. I'm looking forward to this buildup of your encounter. Is that something you've been looking forward to in this film?
Dwayne Johnson: 100%. Sure. So you guys talk in a diner? Yes, yes, yes. Over a cappuccino. It's a wonderful scene. One cappuccino with two straws. That was something I was looking forward to and just as a fan of movies and a fan of genres this is an awesome opportunity that doesn't come along very often where you can have two guys who are successful and put it down and go at it. There are some great scenes in the movie where we do talk, and it's a nice, stinging conversation and the intensity is palpable- it's in the air. But then fuck talking, eventually you gotta get down and kick some ass. Again, I'm sorry for the language.
The first trailer for Faster landed online and the response was very, very strong, especially from fans of yours who have been waiting for the return to action. This feels like a continuation of that. There are very few guys who are real actions tars left. Is that something you are moving back towards?
Dwayne Johnson: It is always about opportunity for me. And those of you who know me know we have discussed this in the past. It is about creating opportunity day to day. There was an opportunity to do three family movies in a row, putting me in a space where I can continue to entertain, knowing that we were still developing on the other end like a Faster, like these intense action movies we were developing. Well, this is ready and it is in the family genre and it tells a good story. The other is not ready, so let's go. Believe me, I love to entertain, across the board - I love that and enjoy that. At my core, I am a physical guy, a visceral guy, and I love kickin' ass. I love it, so if I can continue to, it comes down to what's available, what's ready, what's cooking? I was pretty damn happy with that red-band trailer [for Faster].
1
Expendable Future
And again, fans have gone crazy for it, because it is very stripped down, very actiony and there is a hunger for that right now. The Expendables proved that last year. That was old school guys kicking the shit out of each other.
Dwayne Johnson: Right, right, well that's what you are gonna get in Faster.
You generally play the character that we root for. In this film are you a clear cut villain? Will audiences still be on your side?
Dwayne Johnson: No, no that's gonna be interesting. I'm not sure where the audiences will be. I just know that I'm rooted in my own truth and my truth is I have a list and your name came up on that list and I'm gonna hunt you and find you and bring you in. If they root for me, great. If they don't, great, I'm still kicking ass.
Can you talk a little bit about -
Dwayne Johnson: No. No. (laughter)
- the Gurkha and Elsa [Pataky] talked about this big gun you're just wailing away with. Can you talk a bit about that?
Dwayne Johnson: [Flexes bicep] It's called my third gun. Wow. The Rock's third gun. Haha, I'm sorry, what were we -
Elsa mentioned she's got this little pistol and you've got his big machine gun and you're firing away. All I could think about what the BFG.
Dwayne Johnson: Right, right, right. Wow, you saw Doom, then. One of the few.... One weapon I have is a very big revolver and I'm attracted to guns like that - just big and muscular and masculine. I like revolvers, though, too. Powerful guns to me. I have one in Faster and have one in this movie as well. I also have a much bigger gun that is automatic - there is this one scene where Elsa and I are firing side by side and we are all kind of laughing at it because Elsa is such a petite woman - very beautiful, but petite - and next to me she looks very, very tiny. She looks like a little girl and she has her little 'pew pew' and I've got me 'doodoodoodoodoo.' When it is stripped down it will be very serious, but we laugh because it's funny. The cars in the movie are going to be what you expect. They are dynamite vehicles from fast cars to muscle cars to military Gurkha, which is a big, 10-ton absurdly badass vehicle. When we land in Brazil, I've got me, my men and my Gurkha.
Did you know the franchise well when you got the character? Did you go back and watch the films or did you not want to go back, since your character meets Dom and Brian fresh?
Dwayne Johnson: Well, I am familiar with their success and I had seen the last one and the opening was a dynamite opening. I e-mailed Vin that Saturday and said congratulations. But with all movies I do, I feel it's just important to sit down with the director and let's just talk, shoot the shit, talk about the character, talk about the story, talk about how I come in and help and elevate and that's what I do and want to know how to do. And then we come up with different scenarios and character traits.
If Stallone ever did come to you for The Expendables sequel would you do it?
Dwayne Johnson: I think he tried to come to me for the first one. I was unavailable or something like that. We had talked about doing something together. I would love to work with him. I wouldn't rule The Expendables out. Great success for him and I'm very happy for him - and all the guys by the way! Really cool. But always, always flexible if the story is right. I'd love to work with him in some capacity.
UGO