The universe works in mysterious ways, especially in the film industry. The Rock recently revealed that a role he lost to Tom Cruise opened another door that turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Before we get to the goods, what’s your guess for the movie role that went to Cruise instead of The Rock?
If you said Jack Reacher, then head on down to the corner of Know Your Role Boulevard and Jabroni Drive to claim your prize.
The Rock spilled the beans while answering a fan question asking what movie role he really wanted but lost to another actor.
The Rock felt he was a great fit for the Jack Reacher character, who was of similar size and also a badass. That role ended up going to Cruise. In hindsight, Rock realized that he wouldn’t have had the creative space to play the character as he would have wanted.
With that role out of play, The Rock later got a call about joining the Fast & Furious franchise. It was short notice for low money. Rocky took the opportunity with a couple of caveats. He wanted freedom to create the character, which turned out to be Hobbs. Rock took the gamble that he could cash in later. His goal was to make Hobbs the baddest walking, shit talking, jabroni beating, pie eating, trail blazing, eye brow raising, kicking ass extension of himself. I think we can all agree that it was achieved.
The Rock also revealed that a sequel for Hobbs & Shaw is in development.
The Rock as Jack Reacher is one heck of a ‘what if’ in movie history. Looking at The Rock’s filmography, Fast Five was his breakout role into the mainstream. It started his reputation as the man who can save movie franchises. His rise to superstardom in the film industry may have not occurred if he had been booked as Jack Reacher instead of Hobbs.
Do you think The Rock would have been a good fit for Jack Reacher? Which Tom Cruise role would you like to see Rocky remake? Which Rock role would you like to see Cruise remake?
My answers are The Rock and Kevin Hart in Rain Man and Tom Cruise in Baywatch.