Despite His Film’s Failure 20 Years Ago, Dwayne Johnson Still Endorsed a “Particular Guy” That Mesmerized Him on Set

Before Dwayne Johnson hit the silver screen, he entertained millions and millions of his fans in WWE. It was only natural that his reputation as “The Rock” in WWE translated into becoming a well-known figure in Hollywood, particularly for his roles in action movies. However, he was once outmatched during a fight scene in a 2004 film in terms of athleticism. 

In an interview, Dwayne Johnson commended a cast member for successfully executing stunts without the aid of cables and harnesses. The actor’s ability to perform the stunts without relying on rigged equipment impressed The Great One.

Dwayne Johnson once lauded a cast member of The Rundown film

In 2004, Dwayne Johnson was preparing to transition full-time into Hollywood. At the time, Johnson had already starred in Mummy Returns and The Scorpion King, the latter being the actor’s star vehicle film. And so, The Rock bagged another lead role in another actioner, “The Rundown”.

The film follows the journey of Beck (Johnson), a bounty hunter who sets out on his quest to the Amazon forest to bring his boss’s son back home. However, the duo then contends with local goons, who will stop at nothing to plunder artifacts from Johnson and his boss’s son. 

During an interview with Richard and Judy in 2004, Dwayne Johnson made an appearance to promote his film, The Rundown. At one point, the show hosts discussed how impressive the stunts were in the film. Dwayne Johnson then praised one of the cast members in the film who executed the stunts without the assistance of cables and wires. 

He said, “That was the amazing part about those guys. Those guys are amazing athletes, amazing fighters, and that particular guy’s name is Ernie Reyes Jr., had no wires at all, he wasn’t hooked on, no cable, no rigging, he was flipping through the air upside down and doing those amazing kicks.”

In the scene, The Walking Tall actor went head-to-head with a guy half his size. Johnson’s size proved to be of no advantage as the local goon took him down, throwing caution to the wind. 

ALSO READ: “He’s Hit Me With”- Dwayne Johnson Once Revealed the Influence of 7-Time Mr Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger in Making Him an Action Star

Anyway, Johnson lauded the stunt artists’ ability to perform high-risk moves without assistance which usually helps artists simulate moves like flying and jumping.

Its clear that the cast and crew gave it their all owing to Johnson’s story so how exactly did the movie perform upon its release.

How did Dwayne Johnson’s film The Rundown perform at the box office?

Despite receiving favorable feedback from both critics and viewers, The Rundown ended up being unsuccessful. The film managed to earn only $81 million, falling short of its $85 million budget.

Regardless, the film helped Johnson make his presence known in the world of action films. Johnson then went on to deliver blockbuster hits. Fast forward to the present day, Johnson is one of the highest-paid actors in the world. 

Watch This Story: Worth 40 Million Dwayne Johnson’s Ex-Wife And XFL Co-Owner Dany Garcia Offers Priceless Advice To Barbie Creators

What are your thoughts about the stunt scenes from the film? Have you watched The Rundown? Comment below!