The site also listed that the film was in active development, although it wasn't clear which role Johnson would portray. It would seem likely that he would portray Captain Nemo in the film. Here's the synopsis of the film, as released by the site.
The story begins with the mystery of an underwater "beast" that has been stalking boats, taking bites out of them, and leaving them to sink to the bottom of the sea. Ned, is reluctantly recruited by an old army buddy to hunt the beast. He's joined by Aronnax, a scientist and Julie. They go out looking for this beast and eventually find it. But the beast is not a beast at all...it's a super tricked out mega submarine called "The Nautilus," captained by Nemo, who takes them captive and brings them back to a secret Volcano City. There they learn that Nemo is searching for a lost underwater civilization that holds libraries of vast knowledge and a weapon with the power to destroy mankind. (Studio is fast-tracking the project and hopes to make the film this year.)
We'll be sure to keep you posted on any developments surrounding this film, as soon as we have more information.
UPDATE: (5:30 PM PST)Sci Fi Wire has just spoken to McG, who revealed that Dwayne Johnson is not up for any role in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Here's a segment from the site's interview.
What makes Dwayne Johnson right as your leading man?
McG: He's not. I don't know where that came from. I've never spoken to Dwayne Johnson. You can be the first to report that I have no idea where that came from. I wish him every success, but I never spoke to Dwayne about this.
So do you have a leading man, then?
McG: I do not. I'm out to Will Smith.
Well, everyone is running with that Dwayne Johnson story-
McG: I've never spoken to Dwayne Johnson about this. I like him. He's great. He's a wonderful human being and an excellent screen presence, but we have not spoken about 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Not a word.
McG: He's not. I don't know where that came from. I've never spoken to Dwayne Johnson. You can be the first to report that I have no idea where that came from. I wish him every success, but I never spoke to Dwayne about this.
So do you have a leading man, then?
McG: I do not. I'm out to Will Smith.
Well, everyone is running with that Dwayne Johnson story-
McG: I've never spoken to Dwayne Johnson about this. I like him. He's great. He's a wonderful human being and an excellent screen presence, but we have not spoken about 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Not a word.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Captain Nemo comes to theaters in 2013. The film is directed by David Fincher.
Comments (13)
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SWAK1774
I love Dwayne Johnson. I just don't want to see him in anymore family movies for awhile. I would like to see him in some more action movies. He can do more family movies later. I'd rather see Smith in this movie.
3 years agoby @swak1774Flag
Err
yay.
i'm always glad to hear when dwayne johnson is not a part of something. the rock is a big ball of suck.
don't get me wrong, i like the rock, just not when he is in a movie.
3 years agoby @err2005Flag
Newkill3000
Chad, back then the WWE had good writers involved, so don't be to quick to give The Rock all the credit.
3 years agoby @newkill200Flag
Shelley
First he is, now he is not. Someone needs to start getting the facts.
3 years agoby @shelleyFlag
Raoul Duke
Hes the peoples champion. The Rock can do anything. Though I am glad this seems to be going to Smith instead.
3 years agoby @raoulduke33Flag
Chad Vital
Actually, The Rock can act. Insulting him because of fake wrestling is such a cop-out. Every actor needs a break out role, might as well be this (even though it's just a rumor). You guys don't give him enough credit. The funny thing is, I used to watch wrestling a long time ago, and over the years I did watch it (til 2001), The Rock was the best actor in his company. For example, he doesn't say dumb sh*t like "I want payback after that match we had" he has original clever insults and that's why he got so big, he has charisma galore. He is smooth. Maybe not a exact role for Captain Nemo, but at least in other big movies. He has talent and you guys don't give him any credit, you just talk sh*t about his what 3 Disney movies? Umm hello, they offer you a big ass check I'd do it too. He also has kids, which has a lot to do with why he has done these Disney type of comedies. Nothing wrong with that. I'd like to see him in more action films but oh well. At least he's not like Eddie Murphy who isn't even funny anymore.
3 years agoby @chad-vitalFlag
The Narrator: The Better Man
I agree. Smith is a way better choice.
3 years agoby @narratorFlag
ZanyZap
If the Rock IS in the film; here's to hoping he drowns;
And
Will Smith needs to board that damn ship, already...
3 years agoby @zanyzapFlag
The Narrator: The Better Man
"Oh sh*t, I forgot Disney is doing this. I better get off before people think I'm money faced." - Rock. Lolz, jk.
3 years agoby @narratorFlag
Newkill3000
Is the Rock Disney's man whor* or something?
3 years agoby @newkill200Flag
SMRTALEC
ohhhh boy another Jules Verne classic waiting to be pissed on
3 years agoby @smrtalecFlag
Rufio
If he is in a starring role then this project has just lost my attention. I might be able to stomach a solid supporting role, but the Rock plays comedy as cheese and action as one big fake-scripted wrestling match with awful dialogue. here's hoping this story turns out to be a false rumor.
3 years agoby @rufioFlag
The Narrator: The Better Man
I don't like how their "fast tacking it". It seems to have a lot going 4 itself, but rushing could mess it up. I hope the Rock is one of the ships crew and not Nemo.
3 years agoby @narratorFlag