Dwayne ‘The Rock” Johnson is about to see his life play out on the small screen. New NBC comedy, Young Rock, is set to start filming with a very familiar Australian face.
Actor Uli Latukefu, who got his start in Australian Idol in 2004, has landed his debut International break-out role, playing The Rock.
To be filmed in Brisbane later this month, the 11-part comedy will follow Johnson’s career from childhood to adulthood. Latukefu will playing the former NFL player from the ages 18 to 20 when he was recruited by the University of Miami.
Following the cast announcement, which Johnson revealed on his own Instagram account, the 37-year-old said he was “excited” and “proud and ready for some fun.”
“This one’s for the dreamers. Trust, when God says He has plans for you, He really, really means it. Time for work,” he said.
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15-year-old Johnson will be played by newcomer Bradley Constant, while 10-year-old Johnson, nicknamed “Dewey” will be portrayed by Adrian Groulx. Alongside the “Dwayne’s”, will be Stacey Leilua as his mother, Ata Johnson, Ana Tuisila will play his grandmother and his late father Rocky Johnson will be played by Joseph Lee Anderson.
Young Rock is set to premiere sometime in 2021 and will be helmed by Nahnatchka Khan (Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23) and Jeff Chiang (Fresh Off the Boat).
As part of a $19.5 million Australian Government deal with NBCUniversal’s Universal Studio Group, Brisbane will have three back-to-back series filmed.
Young Rock will be the first, followed by Joe Exotic starring Kate McKinnon and then, Australian drama series, Irreverent.