Dwayne Johnson to Play Folklore Legend John Henry, His 'Childhood Hero,' in New Netflix Movie

Photo: Jason Koerner/Getty

Dwayne Johnsonis making his childhood dream real — and keeping plenty busy.

The actor, 46, announced on Instagram that he would be portraying popular American folklore figure John Henry in an upcoming movie for Netflix. The project will re-team Johnson with hisJumanji: Welcome to the Jungledirector Jake Kasdan.

“Inspired to bring to life one of my childhood heroes, John Henry, inJOHN HENRY & THE STATESMEN,” Johnson wrote. “In this movie, I’ll lead an ensemble of the most popular folklore figures and legends from different cultures around the world.”

“The legend of JOHN HENRY’S strength, endurance, dignity and cultural pride was instilled in my DNA at a very young age. My dad would sing “Big John” to me every time he would put me to bed. At bedtime most children get loving nursery rhyme songs — I got this,” Johnson continued, adding the lyrics to the rhyme his dad would sing.

“Gonna be a lot of fun bringing these legends to life. My childhood hero. The steel driving man and his disruptive band of international folklore legends,” he finished.

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The new project adds to Johnson’s already packed slate.

He just wrapped filming on Disney’sJungle Cruiseand will soon start production onJumanji 2. He also has the standaloneFast and Furiousmovie titledHobbs and Shaw, which he’s currently filming, as well as DC superhero movieBlack Adam.

source: people.com