Last week it was announced that Dwayne Johnson is set to produce and star in an adaptation of the 80s cult classic Big Trouble in Little China – news that wasn’t exactly met with the most positive of reactions from the original’s fanbase. During an interview with EW, Johnson has spoken about the mixed reaction, as well as revealing that he’s hoping to get original director John Carpenter involved with the new film in some capacity.
“I loved reading the reactions from the fans, that they were so polarized – I’m the same way,” said Johnson. “My response is: know that I come to the project with nothing but love and respect for the original, which is why we want to bring on John Carpenter.”
“I loved the original when I was younger and I loved the main character – all the characters,” he continued. “It felt like if we surrounded ourselves with the right group of people, the right writers who loved the movie too and wanted to honor it, bring on John Carpenter in some capacity … If we did that, then we have a shot at hopefully making something good. Let’s see what feels good, what we can come up with and then go from there. And as we write it, if the whole thing starts to stink up, then we thank everybody for their efforts and accept this just couldn’t make it.”
So, has that reassured you any? Would you feel happier if The Rock manages to get Carpenter on board? Let us know in the comments below…
Tom Jolliffe says
I love The Rock. I would have little Rock babies with him if it were scientifically possible (I saw a documentary called Junior once, but wasn’t convinced) but this for me is a hell no. I love the film, it’s so bonkers and cool in equal measure. It’s very much a product of its time and it still really holds up. As a film it’s something you can’t I think. You can try to follow the originals blueprint but then it will only draw inferior comparison. You can try to capture the tone and humour, but it may not work again. The only other thing you can do, is modernise it, which in my mind would be to thoroughly conventionalise the film. It would be the same with The Highlander remake.
I’d be more for it were it a sequel (but still hesitant). Kurt Russell can still be Jack Burton. I dunno. They could possibly make something entertaining here, and Johnson is always good value, but they’ll never recapture or replicate the magic.
drfinlay says
People are loyal to Big Trouble in Little China?????
Kyle Posey says
I would rather them not remake this, but if they really have to I can see Dwayne in this role. I know I’ll take heat for saying it, but I can see Jack Burton’s personality in a lot of the various Johnson performances. I can see him pulling off that really hammy, all-American type of bravado very well.
TXGrace says
The Rock does every film with respect and love. That is why I respect and look up to him. No one should worry about him remaking a film or making a new one, he does every project the same. That is why he is so big today. He gives 1000% to every project he tackles. That is his work ethic. He is always smiling and he lets negativity just role off his back and completely ignores it. He is an inspiration to us all.
Elias Moya says
Ive grown up being a fan of the Rock. Awesome dude. But I dont think this role fits him and will only screw up a classic. Leave it be