Dwayne Johnson is among the elite in Hollywood. Not only does he have a hit film in every genre, but off the set, he's among the most generous celebs, always making time for the people.
On-set, things can unravel a bit, especially accidentally during stunts. We'll take a look back at a moment that took place during The Scorpion King and how DJ decided to handle the situation, of course, with the utmost class.
Learning The Fight Sequences Was A Breeze For Dwayne Johnson In Scorpion King
Despite being relatively green to the world of Hollywood, Dwayne Johnson was able to bring in $180 million for The Scorpion King. Even back then it was evident, he was going to be a major success in the world of entertainment and film.
Given his background in sports and entertainment, learning the fight sequences was a breeze for DJ, he revealed that it took two minutes to grasp a routine.
“This part of it isn’t all that different from what I do on TV,” Johnson said of the film’s fight scenes. “But instead of smashing people with metal folding chairs, we’re using swords and knives and a wider array of props. I’m able to pick it up fairly quickly. All I need is about 2 minutes to figure out the scene.”
As DJ would move up the ranks, he decided to get his own double during the physical stunts. He's quite familiar with his double Tanoai Reed, who also happens to be his cousin. DJ is known for showing his appreciation for everyone, and that includes his doubles.
Dwayne Johnson Had A Big Heart When It Comes To Treating His Stunt Doubles Properly
“I remember saying, ‘If he ever does movies, I can double for him.’ Never thinking he would be in movies,” recalls Reed. “His mom knew my dad and everybody.” That's how it all started for Reed, who basically manifested his dream into existence during The Scorpion King. Although DJ already had a double for the film, he needed something more... enter Reed, who not only stepped in but would turn into his permanent stuntman.
"Did I have the sense I’d spend the next few decades with him? I did. We immediately became close,” says Johnson. “It was as if I was meeting my long-lost brother who could at times double as my twin," Reed told the Hollywood Reporter.
Dwayne showed the love back in 2016, gifting his long-time double a truck and discussing his contributions glowingly.
“Seventeen years of him giving his blood, his sweat. I mean, this is a small token of my appreciation,” Johnson tells viewers.
“Over the course of my career, my stunt double (and cousin) Tanoai Reed has broken multiple bones, severed tendons, torn ligaments & just been an overall dominating badass achieving several ‘Stuntman of the Year’ honors."
“All done with one goal in mind — deliver the best movie possible to the world … Not only does Tanoai represent our family and my career with relentless commitment and passion, he also represents an entire Hollywood stunt community that is truly the backbone of our business.”
Although that was great, DJ didn't always have the best luck with doubles...
Dwayne Johnson Knocked Out A Double And Gifted Them A Rolex During Scorpion King
During his interview on The Graham Norton Show, Dwayne Johnson discussed working with a double during a particular fight scene in The Scorpion King.
According to DJ, things went completely south when he accidentally grazed the older stuntman with a fist, this caused the stuntman to drop completely. Johnson recalls feeling awful about the ordeal, so much so that he bought the fellow a Rolex in an attempt to make things right... or at least better.
Fans chimed in, praising The Rock for his generosity, despite the unfortunate event.
"Being clocked by the Rock could never be good. Cool he got him a watch. Got a new subscriber. Was fun to watch. Great video."
"Dwayne's banter game is just that good. Anything thrown at him he can throw right back at you. Except punches. You don't throw punches at the Rock."
At the very least, DJ managed to make an awkward moment better.
