Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Method Actor.
By this time next week, we will be able to flood multiplexes from coast to coast, bathing in the brutal viciousness that will be The Rock in the title role of Hercules. In the Instagram vid posted to Dwayne Johnson’s official page, the actor shares what he deems to be the most "epic moment" of director Brett Ratner’s saga. And he explains the one thing he asked the prop department to do to give him the closest, most realistic atmosphere for this defining moment. Yep, you heard right. They chained The Rock to the damn floor.
I asked the prop department to lock me in with real steel chains that I couldn't break, so the performance would be real. … We shot this scene 8 times - I blacked out every time. Down to my knees. Well worth the fun pain.. this moment is iconic. I’m excited for you to see it... #HercDontLikeBlackingOut #HappilyDoItAgain #HERCULESMovie"
The Rock blacked out. Eight times. That’s how intense the scenes are in Brett Ratner’s movie – and how dedicated The Rock is to his craft. The man has come such a long way since Tooth Fairy. Ironically, I tried to watch that movie 8 times. I blacked out every time. Down to my knees. #SeanDontLikeToothFairy.
Thankfully, The Rock quickly fought his way out of the family-friendly genre, and got back to making bad-ass action movies that are supposed to star guys who look like The Rock. Faster put him back on the right track, while his fist-smashing turn in Fast Five made both him AND the long-running franchise a global sensation. Since then, he has boosted the G.I. Joe series, collaborated with Michael Bay on a dark-as-midnight black comedy, and returned to the WWF. Because they need better actors.
Hercules, believe it or not, will be a real test for The Rock. His most recent successes have been part of strong action ensembles. This time, he’s carrying the load on his impossibly broad shoulders. And he might have to overcome the over-direction of Brett Ratner. We shall see. Run through the most recent Hercules trailer to remind yourself of the movie’s potential.
Hercules opens everywhere on July 25.
