The Rock frequently has multiple projects on his radar, though not all of them come to fruition. We know that he'll team up with Jason Statham for Hobbs & Shaw, and he and Emily Blunt will take a Jungle Cruise in 2020. Others are mere rumors, like the Big Trouble in Little China movie that Rocky plans to make. Original China star Kurt Russell was asked what he thinks about the idea, and he didn't hold back, stating:
I always say the same thing, which is, well, you've got to make a good movie. I'll still take the original Mutiny on the Bounty.
Kurt Russell helped to turn the original Big Trouble in Little China from an unusual concept into a cult hit. In John Carpenter's 1986 adventure, Russell plays Jack Burton, a sarcastic truck driver who finds himself in a heap of trouble when he helps his friend's fiancée escape a sorcerer.
As Russell was discussing the movie with USA Today, he said the fact that Jack was a leading man who didn't know his role helped make Big Trouble In Little China feel fresh and special. He told the outlet:
Nobody had ever done a leading man who didn't realize he wasn't the leading man. He behaves like the sidekick but doesn't know that. That hadn't been done and it was difficult for the studio to get around in terms of promoting it, too.
Kurt Russell actually has no ill will towards The Rock, who he has starred alongside in the Fast & Furious franchise. In fact, to make sure that there is no bad blood, Russell goes on to say:
He's just a really good guy. I like working with him and if he's going to do it, he and his crew will hopefully be able to come up with something that I guess makes the title work.
But you can tell from Russell's reaction to this news that he's not 100% thrilled by the idea of someone trying to refresh Big Trouble in Little China.
And we can't blame him. Even though The Rock has come out and clarified that he wouldn't try to play Jack Burton in the new movie -- and that it'd more be made in the tone and tenor of the original movie -- that's still really hard to replicate without forcing the issue. John Carpenter and Kurt Russell had a special bond when it came to storytelling, which created gems like The Thing and Escape From New York. Trying to replicate that is a tightrope walk, and not one I'd wish on anyone, even a star with the charisma of The Rock.
We will see if that Big Trouble in Little China movie ever happens. Not that The Rock needs it. So if it does move forward, this likely means that he DOES have a great idea. Time will tell. Until then, bookmark our Upcoming The Rock Movies guide, to see which movies of his will be in theaters soon.
