Okay, what’s wrong with this picture?
So, it seems that Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has built a reputation as ‘Franchise Viagra‘ for his ability to come on board flagging film franchises and breathe new life into them. And he has stated that he would like in on Star Wars.
Cinema Blend: Are there other franchises that you look at and think, “I want to give that a shock to the system?”
Dwayne Johnson: Oh easily. Star Wars.
It was noted on the forums for the Hollywood Stock Exchange (HSX) a while back that Dwayne had quite a schedule ahead of him at the time, and indeed he has been quite busy. Who would have thought 10 years ago that ‘The Rock’ would be such a bankable movie star AND also be the ‘go to’ guy when you needed to boost a franchise’s box office and bring in new energy?
I freely admit I nearly face-palmed when I read the headline on Cinema Blend, but the more I think about it, the more I am open to the concept. My main objection is that I would like the new Star Wars movies to be ‘films’, not just ‘movies’. To me, director Irvin Kershner delivered a film, not ‘just a movie’, with his The Empire Strike Back (Episode V). That is all I want from JJ Abrams and Disney…a film, not ‘just a movie’. Please.
You can count me in on those who like Dwayne’s work, and if he can ‘bring it’ to Star Wars then so much the better. He has done a lot of family friendly fare in his career, and Star Wars is now owned by Disney, so perhaps it could really work. In any case, it’s an interesting idea.
On a side note: How bad could it be? Have you SEEN the Prequel Trilogy? Could it possibly be “having a cartoon rabbit that steps in the poopy” bad? Moby suggests you check out Redlettermedia’s Phantom Menace review. Perhap’s after watching Redlettermedia’s review you will see the Star Wars franchise a bit differently. It’s a bit like T.S. Garp at this point…pre-disastered.
I’m gonna sleep on this, and possibly update later. It IS an interesting idea, right?
