By David Shankbone via Flickr Creative Commons
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been cast to star as King Kamehameha in The King, a new historical biopic about the celebrated founder and first king of Hawaii.
The casting choice has already stirred controversy in the Pacific Islander community.
Johnson wrote via Instagram, “Humbled & grateful to begin this once in a lifetime journey . . . From the day I began my Hollywood career (2001), my dream was to bring this legacy to life. In Polynesian culture we have a belief, that something isn’t done when it’s ready . . . it’s done when it’s right. The time is right. The one who walks alone.”
Plans for the movie’s production began last year when blessings were given to Johnson and his producing partners Danny Garcia and Hiram Garcia by a kahu (priest) in Maui.
Some Native Hawaiians, however, have already raised concerns.
Those who object have expressed ire against the actor’s comic-heavy background alongside the fact that Johnson himself is not Hawaiian.
“I love Dwayne Johnson and some of his films, but he’s such a comedian. I hope this is not going to be a comedy and the character is not a comic character,” said kumu hula Vicky Holt Takamine to Hawaii News Now.
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RE: Casting of Dwayne Johnson as King Kamehameha Draws Concern: Oh please just stop . I’m mr liberal and if you’re complaining because he isn’t the right Polynesian …. It’s like getting mad at In N Out in California for donating to republicans. It’s not going to work and no one is going to support you . We all know InNOut is conservative they publish bible chapter references on the coffee cups and have since the 70s. The Rock is Dream casting . I’m mad at InNOut but when you ask me McDonald’s or inNOut – gimme a break.