Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has been brought on board for his 'dream' role of Hawaiian monarch Kamehameha in forthcoming flick The King.
Deadline reports that Warner Bros and New Line Cinema have won an auction for the film, which is set to be directed by Robert Zemeckis and is based on a spec written by Braveheart screenwriter Randall Wallace.
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The role he'll be tackling is quite a big one for the actor, as King Kamehameha was the founder and first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii, having been the first person to unite the warring islands.
According to GoHawaii.com, Kamehameha - also known as Kamehameha the Great - was a great 'warrior, diplomat and leader'. He was destined for greatness from birth: Hawaiian legend prophesied that a light in the sky with feathers like a bird would signal the birth of a great chief, with historians believing that he was born in 1758, the year Halley's comet passed over Hawaii.
The significance of the gig hasn't been wasted on The Rock, who is of Samoan and Canadian heritage, but also spent time growing up in New Zealnad and Hawaii.
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He says he has always wanted to tackle the real-life character, but says that the time is now 'right' to do so.
Posting the news to Instagram, Johnson wrote: "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."
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He added: "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."
While Hawaii News Now reports that some people aren't over the moon about the casting decision, many fans were chuffed to hear the big news, with one commenting: "This sounds important! Happy for you, can't wait to see it."
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Someone else wrote: "Congrats on the passion project. Looking forward to watching!"
Another said it was the 'perfect' role for him, adding: "You're gonna slay all day."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: TV and Film, The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, US Entertainment