Reel News
‘Kamehameha’ filming
may start next fallThe soonest the Sony-Columbia epic "Kamehameha" will begin filming in Hawaii is next fall, according to its star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The actor, who will finish filming the once-titled "Helldorado" here next week, said "Kamehameha" "definitely will not be my next film." He has committed to do another movie first.
Screenwriter Greg Poirier's first draft is "great and now in rewrite," said Johnson, who emphasized "Kamehameha" will be made ... no question about it." Johnson, who lived in Hawaii off and on as a youth and is half Samoan, says he's been surprised by concerns from "some academics" that a non-Hawaiian is portraying the revered Hawaiian king.
"The trepidations have never come from alii descendants, but from some professors, regardless if they are true Hawaiian or not," he said. "Why would they want to make waves about an important historical film when, up to now, no studio has ever taken an interest in making a film about Kamehameha?" said Johnson of the projected $100 million film.
"If it was Vin Diesel or Mel Gibson, I would actually be fine with that because I'm genuinely excited that someone is doing the Kamehameha story."
Johnson said the film will showcase Hawaii and provide work for hundreds of local actors and extras. "I have family and friends here, so there's no way I am going to screw this up," he said. "It's a monumental acting challenge for me that will require lots of research. We have the advantage of writing a movie from scratch to keep its authenticity and make sure 'Kamehameha' is told with respect and admiration."
Johnson isn't expecting major protests about the film. "At the end of the day, I really don't anticipate much criticism. I believe as news unfolds about the film, there will be a comfort level about our intentions."
Back to the movie The Rock's working on now: Filming of the well-publicized "jeep fling" at Kapena Falls happened Saturday without a hitch. The stunt was done to perfection, with the stripped-down vehicle doing several complete 360s before hitting the pond dead center. After the splashdown, water safety captain Brian Keaulana attached a metal hook and wire from a hovering helicopter to the jeep, which lifted it to the Pali Highway turnout for removal.
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Contact Tim Ryan at tryan@starbulletin.com.