Dwayne Johnson Lands Autobiographical Sitcom Series ‘Young Rock’
Written by SOURCE on January 12, 2020
Does Dwayne Johnson ever sleep?
On Saturday, the 47-year-old entertainer announced the latest addition to his long list of projects: an autobiographical comedy series titled Young Rock. The NBC sitcom was given an 11-episode, straight-to-series order with the pilot written by Fresh Off the Boat co-executive producers Nahnatchka Khan and Jeff Chiang.
“The show will feature Dwayne as he grows up through life,” NBCEntertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy said during the winter Television Critics Association press tour. “It’s Dwayne’s life brought to live by a brilliant and soulful writer like Nahnatchka.”
Johnson, who hosts and executive produces the NBC reality series The Titan Games, will reportedly appear in every episode, though his younger self will be portrayed by another actor.
“We have found a really cool, fun creative way to weave me into the show,” Johnson told reporters via FaceTime, before briefly mentioning his pitch to the network. “At the end all jaws were dropped, all hands were raised (and NBC said) ‘we are in 100 percent.'”
The Jumanji star hasn’t shied away from speaking about his childhood, which was, at times, tumultuous. Johnson gave reporters a brief rundown of some the most formative events in his life, such as moving all around the country, his run-ins with the law, and his introduction to wrestling.
“Now what’s crazy about this whole thing … the confluence of wild personalities that came in and out of my life during these times, all these years, are just fascinating,” he said. “From my heroes Andre the Giant to Muhammed Ali to Ronald Reagan … It was almost as if I’d been told I had the childhood of Forrest Gump, where people weave in and out of my life.”
NBC has yet to announce a premiere date or casting for Young Rock. Stay tuned as more information becomes available.
