Dwayne Johnson Takes on His Dream Role: Hawaii’s King Kamehameha

'The Rock' will play the title lead in Robert Zemeckis' new film 'The King.'

Dwayne Johnson -- (Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
Dwayne Johnson -- (Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Soon, “The Rock” will be “The King.” As reported in GQ, Dwayne Johnson is set to play King Kamehameha in Robert Zemeckis’ The King, the story of the man who united and ruled the Hawaiian islands from 1782 to 1819. Deadline first reported the casting.

The movie looks like a war epic, and with famed Forrest Gump and Cast Away director Zemeckis at the helm, certainly an Oscar hopeful. The King also boasts Braveheart’s Randall Wallace as its screenwriter.

Johnson confirmed his casting on Instagram. The star actor’s mother is Samoan and, in his post, he told his audience how much Kamehameha’s story has always meant to him. “From the day I began my Hollywood career, my dream was to bring his legacy to life,” he wrote in the post.

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KA LA HIKI OLA. 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. 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. #Culture #History #Mana #TheKing #KAMEHAMEHA

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The King may be a different type of role for the action and comedy star, as he turns his focus to the historical drama.

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