The Rock’s sizzle power
LOS ANGELES — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson doesn’t fear facing Star Wars.
Johnson says he’s thrilled his “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” arrives in time for the holidays, even though it will compete with The Last Jedi at the box office.
Besides, The Rock already has Luke Skywalker’s blessing for his comedy adventure.
“I had this awesome Twitter exchange where I told Mark Hamill, ‘Best of luck, just leave our little Jumanji a little room,’” says Johnson. “He responded that The Force is strong with Jumanji. You’ll be fine.”
Even island-dwelling hermits like Skywalker know that Jumanji stars one of Hollywood’s last bankable megastars with Johnson — along with Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Nick Jonas — in the story of video game heroes stuck in a real game.
But there’s another force at play pushing Jumanji: Johnson’s sizzle factor. Playing a 16-year-old gamer inhabiting the impossibly brawny body of a game avatar, the six-footfive Johnson unleashes what he calls “the smoulder look.”
That concept initially took some convincing with director Jake Kasdan.
“You should’ve heard the conversation,” says Johnson, relaying the call. “I was like, ‘My character’s trait is, he smoulders!’ Silence. ‘What do you mean by smoulders?’”
Johnson explained his hero would ooze machismo. Still nothing from Kasdan. Johnson finally turned his iPhone on himself, delivering a full eye-brow-arching “smoulder” video.
Kasdan was convinced. Dr. Smolder Bravestone was born.
With true Rock bravado, Johnson explains he has those captivating qualities.
“It’s one of those things. God delivered, I signed for it,” Johnson says. “And it just comes.”
Recent proof? Hours before he drove his co-stars to the Hollywood world première Dec. 11 in a rickety Jumanji jeep, Johnson revealed on Instagram (to 97.3 million followers) that girlfriend Lauren Hashian is expecting.
“We announced we’re having a baby girl, and three hours later I’m on the red carpet holding her baby bump,” says Johnson. “It was one of the greatest nights in Hollywood I’ve ever had.”
Literal bump bonus: the baby news prompted worldwide headlines promoting Jumanji, showing the heart and muscles Johnson flexes to stay atop Hollywood. His work ethic and showmanship impressed co-star Jonas.
“I soaked up everything I could and learned from him,” says Jonas. “He puts a project on his back.”