Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was “excited and proud” to showcase Samoan culture in “Hobbs & Shaw.”
The 47-year-old actor – who is half-Samoan – admitted the “culture aspect” was key in his decision to star in the “Fast & Furious” spin-off, along with the fact that much of the movie was filmed in co-star Jason Statham’s native UK.
“The culture aspect was the most important thing for us, in addition to the chemistry,” explained Johnson.
“It was a really awesome opportunity to showcase both of our cultures, but ultimately, whether it’s British or Samoan culture, there’s an anchoring to these cultures. Regardless of what you look like and what your bank account is and what your color is – if you’re my family, I’ve got your back,” the actor gushed.
“I was really excited and proud to showcase Samoan culture – because in this movie, really, it’s the first time ever that Samoan culture has been exposed in a big tentpole movie like this. That is a global earpiece.”
And Statham’s – who lives in Los Angeles with partner Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and two-yar-old son Jack, says he loved showcasing all he appreciates about Britain in the film.
“To be back home doing a big, fat movie in the UK, felt really good,” he told Total Film magazine.
“And we’re shooting down on the streets, outside the Leadenhall Building. I was there with a … machine gun, outside the Lloyd’s building and jumping in the McLaren.
“I get to embrace the British … refinements. I’m rocking around in a 720S McLaren, British-made, made in Surrey.
“I’m wearing the old Saville Row suit and I’ve got my Budd shirt and my Cleverly shoes – all of my British attire.
“We’re back in the UK making a big American blockbuster, but most of the cast is British. They’re severely outnumbered. Rule Britannia.”
