The Robertson Treatment – The Rock Lays The 'Smackdown' In "The Scorpion King"

(Apr. 8, 2002) "I always wanted to act because I love the art of film making so much," says Dwayne Johnson, better know to you as "The Rock." Currently starring in the anticipate blockbuster, "The Scorpion King," the WWF sensation plays Mathayus, a character first introduced in "The Mummy Returns" in 2001. Set in the ancient and notoriously corrupt city of Gomorrah 5000 years ago, Mathayus is summons to do battle with the evil ruler, Memnon (Steven Brand) only to learn that he must eliminate the beautiful sorceress Cassandra (Kelly Hu) who guides Memnon's deadly commands.

Mathayus must soon build a small group of allies led by the reluctant Nubian leader Balthazar, portrayed by Michael Clark Duncan. "When the producer's first mentioned Michael, I knew we would have fantastic chemistry onscreen," says The Rock. "We've been friends for years." Together, Mathayus and Balthazar triumph in victory.

The character called for The Rock to train for months in martial arts, which included learning how to use swords, lances and fist-cuffs. "With my athletic background the transition to fighting onscreen was a little easier," he says. "For the most part, I did all my stunts except the sand storm scene where I'm jumping off the horse while doing a flip." As far as his thoughts on riding a camel as oppose to a horse, he comments that there's a definite difference. "Horses are very smooth at times whereas a camel can be smooth when it's running, but if it's not, ugh," he laughs.

Not knowing the full capacity in which he would be involved in wrestling and acting, The Rock says he knew one would transcend into the other. "I grew up in wrestling but I still didn't know what capacity I would be involved in it. Then wrestling gave me a good format to hopefully transform into film and even at that point I didn't know what capacity I was going to be in film. I just knew that I wanted to introduce myself into this medium."

With the release of "The Scorpion King," it would seem to be that the half-Black/half-Samoan champion has found the perfect launching pad for the next stage of his career. "This is a great opportunity for me," he says. "This film allows me to show a little bit of depth and a little bit of poignancy," he continues. "During filming, I had the same mind set that I maintain with wrestling, which is not to be afraid to step out of the box and try something different."

And speaking of wrestling, for the moment, The Rock says he will stay with the sport, and try to balance both for as long as he can. "While filming the movie, it was difficult because I had no days off for about three months," he says. "But the great thing about my fans is that they are passionate and very loyal. I appreciate that."

Another role The Rock has taken on is fatherhood. "It's unbelievable, and something that I am still just beginning to really fathom. She doesn't do the 'eyebrow' but she does have her own little personality."

Upcoming projects for The Rock include a contemporary-action comedy. "I love to try different roles when it's right," he explains. "I want my fans to feel that their money has been well spent and they were thoroughly entertained." - LaShirl Smith

MEANWHILE ....

- Former Cosby star Keshia Knight Pullman makes her return to television in the UPN tele-film "What About Your Friends: Weekend Getaway" currently filming in Los Angeles. A recent graduate from Spelman College, Pullman stars in this two-hour drama, which explores the complex issues facing a group of college-age friends. Look for it on May 31.

- Talk show host Montel Williams hosted a special event last Saturday in honor of his father's new book "Firefighter" at the historic African American Firefighter Museum in Los Angeles. Housed in two beautifully restored fire stations, the museum is a tribute to the "Old Stentoirans" who helped integrate LA's Fire Department nearly a century ago. Featuring uniforms, badges, photographs and other firefighting paraphernalia, the museum is a jewel in the history of Los Angeles. While there, make sure you pick up a copy of "Firefighter," which chronicles Herman Williams life and triumphs as the first black fire chief in a major US city.

- For hundreds of years, Brazil has symbolized the great escape into a primordial, tropical paradise, igniting the Western imagination like no other South American country. In the next edition of the Robertson Treatment we will take you on a tour of Brazil's legendary city Rio de Janeiro and introduce you to its rainbow-hued inhabitants.

Visit our website at www.Robertsontreatment.com

Email: syndicatedcolumn@robertsontreatment.com

Gil L. Robertson IV / Principal / The Robertson Treatment / Po Box 136 / Beverly Hills, CA. 90213 / 323-292-4010

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