Brandon Fraser and Dwayne Johnson are undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s most iconic duos, but surprisingly, their first on-screen connection came long before they ever met. Turns out, Fraser revealed that he had zero idea who Johnson was before filming “The Mummy Returns.”
Brendan Fraser talks about Dwayne Johnson
While speaking on Variety’s Actors on Actors. Brendan Fraser looked back at how The Rock became part of “The Mummy Returns”. He admitted he didn’t recognize the former wrestler at all when the studio first floated him as a possibility for the Scorpion King.
Fraser added, “When I was told that you were a possibility for it, forgive me, but I didn’t know you from the wrestling world. And when I was shown, I said, ‘That is inspired casting. We’d be lucky to get the guy.”
Furthermore, Fraser explained that Dwayne Johnson’s “stadium persona” was exactly the larger-than-life presence the villain needed. He said, “In the wrestling world, you were painting with a 10-inch brush — you need to have big energy,” adding that “Moana” star brought the confidence required to create a “villain you love to hate.”
The sequel to OG “Mummy” marked Johnson’s official move from pro wrestling to Hollywood. During their conversation, Johnson gave Fraser “his flowers” and credited him for supporting his transition early on. Johnson lauded Fraser, saying, “…you took a risk on me, and years later, you and I are sitting here. I want to thank you for really changing my life.”
Though the duo shared the screen back in 2001, they didn’t meet in person until after the filming was done because Johnson’s character was created with heavy CGI. Reflecting on Johnson’s character, Fraser joked, “Every time I worked with him, he was just a piece of tape on a stick.”
Now with the fourth instalment of “Mummy” reportedly in development, fans are eagerly hoping to see Rick O’Connell and the Scorpion King crossing paths.
