If you didn’t thinkDwayne Johnsonwas attached to enough upcoming projects, then you’re in luck because the action star is now signing on to bring Disney’s languishing projectJungle Cruiseback to life. Disney is bringing aboard filmmakers John Requa and Glenn Ficarra to craft the script. They recently wrote and directed theWill SmithandMargot Robbiecon man dramaFocus, butThe Hollywood Reporterreveals they are not attached to direct.
Jungle Cruisewas first set up by Disney way back in 2004, withSmallvillecreatorsAlfred GoughandMiles Millarcoming aboard to write the script in 2006. In 2011,Toy StorystarsTom HanksandTim Allenwere attached to star, with Roger S.H. Schulman writing the script. That was the last we heard of the project, untilDwayne Johnsoncame aboard today.
Jungle Cruiseis one of Disneyland’s original attractions, which takes visitors through African rivers such as the Nile and Congo, where they encounter rhino and hippos, along with a section from South America’s Amazon River, where visitors can see piranhas. The earlier version which hadTom HanksandTim Allenattached to star was said to have a modern-day setting, but this new version will take the story back to the ride’s period roots. The story is said to be in the same vein as the 1952 classicThe African Queen, starringHumphrey Bogartand Katharine Hepburn, which was said to be one of the original inspirations for the ride itself. Here’s whatDwayne Johnsonhad to say about the project in a statement.
“[Disney production president]Sean Baileyand Disney have been awesome partners and now the fun part begins … We’re starting to put in the work with Requa and Ficarra and our creative team. Fired up about this one. Here we go.”
Jungle Cruiseis still in early stages of development, and it isn’t known where it will fit intoDwayne Johnson’s burgeoning schedule. He is currently filmingCentral Intelligence, and he will start production onBaywatchearly next year withZac Efron. He is also attached to star in thevideo gameadaptationRampage, theBig Trouble in Little Chinaremake,Fast & Furious 8andShazam!, along with lending his voice to Disney’sMoana.
