Dwayne Johnson is officially heading to Netflix as the streaming service announced today that the actor is set to star in JOHN HENRY AND THE STATESMEN, an adventure film which finds folk hero John Henry leading an ensemble of the most popular figures from folklore and legend from all around the world.
According to Wikipedia, John Henry was a steel-driving man whose "prowess as a steel-driver was measured in a race against a steam-powered rock drilling machine, a race that he won only to die in victory with hammer in hand as his heart gave out from stress." No word on which other folk heroes will also be popping up in the film, but JOHN HENRY AND THE STATESMEN is set to be directed by JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE's Jake Kasdan from an original pitch by Tom Wheeler (THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE). In a statement, Dwayne Johnson said, "Netflix is the perfect partner and platform for us to continue entertaining our global audience in a disruptive way. These diverse characters speak to a legacy of storytelling that is more relevant than ever and span across a worldwide audience regardless of age, gender, race or geography." Seven Bucks Productions' Dany Garcia added, "We have been committed to an international storytelling model for more than a decade. Our partnership with Netflix is giving us an incredible opportunity to reach a broad and diverse audience in the most accessible and intimate manner. We are absolutely thrilled with the opportunity." Producer Beau Flynn hinted that JOHN HENRY AND THE STATESMEN won't be a one-and-done as they're looking to build a franchise around the film. Of course they are. Dwayne Johnson also shared a few more thoughts about the upcoming project on Instagram, as well as a short teaser.
Dwayne Johnson is currently in the midst of production on HOBBS & SHAW, the first spin-off in the FAST & FURIOUS franchise, which will see him reprising his role of Luke Hobbs alongside Jason Statham's Deckard Shaw. HOBBS & SHAW is set for an August 2, 2019 release.