Joe Anoa’i, aka WWE Superstar Roman Reigns, has joined the cast ofHobbs and Shaw. The announcement comes from Dwayne Johnson personally who, prior to his life as one of the biggest movie stars on the planet, was, himself, a wrestler famously known as The Rock. Now, the wrestler-turned-actor is helping one of his old buddies make headway in Hollywood by giving him a role in a near-guaranteed blockbuster.
This represents the first movie acting gig forJoe Anoa’i, who recently signed with Artists First for representation. Given thatHobbs & Shawis set within theFast and Furiousfranchise, one of the biggest movie franchises of all time at this point, that’s one heck of a way to start a career in acting. To top it all off, Anoa’i will be playing the brother of Dwayne Johnson’s character Luke Hobbs. Here’s what Johnson had to say about it in an Instagram post.
The brothers' roar. A lil' Hobbs & Shaw exclusive. Good times droppin' sweat andspillin' blood with my family, Roman Reigns who’ll be playing my brother in our Fast & Furious universe. I’m very proud of his focus, effort and authentic performance in our movie for his very first time on film. I’m also very grateful to spend this quality time with my cousin here in the islands as he takes life one day at a time to recover from leukemia. His perseverance and humility battling this challenge has inspired our entire family as well as millions around the world in our belovedWWE Universe. Can’t wait to see the ‘Big Dog’ return back to the ring - his positive & focused mindset to return is straight up next level. Til' then, this sacred Samoan ground you stand on is nourished with our ancestors blood. Today, we nourish it with yours."
The post was accompanied by a couple of photos of the two together looking quite fierce. Joe Anoa’i surrendered hisWWE championship beltas Roman Reigns back in October after it was revealed that his leukemia had resurfaced. The wrestler had been initially diagnosed with the disease a decade prior. He stepped back from wrestling, but things appear to be looking up and now, not only is it possible that Anoa’i could be getting back in the ring in the future, he’s possibly got a bright future on the big screen. Anoa’i took to his personal Instagram to acknowledge the casting as well, but the image has since been removed. He did say this, however.
The Brothers Roar. Roman Reigns is gonna be in theFast and Furious spinoff movieas The Rock’s brother."
This is the first spin-off set within theFast and Furiousuniverse, with another female-driven spin-off in the works as well. Filming on the main franchise’s ninth installment is set to begin next month. As for this movie? It’s being directed by David Leitch (Deadpool 2) with a cast that also includes Idris Elba, Jason Statham and Vanessa Kirby. Fast & Furious Presents:Hobbs & Shawis set to hit theaters on August 2. Be sure to check out the post fromDwayne Johnson’s Instagrambelow.
