Are you at your heaviest since your wrestling days?
Dwayne Johnson: I would say so, probably. I don't know if I
was this heavy when I was wrestling - probably about five pounds.
You have always had a clear strategy for your career with increasingly visible roles. What prompted you to jump into the 5th film of this series as opposed to taking on something else?
Dwayne Johnson: It was an opportunity to work with Universal again, the studio that I started my career with. I did my first four movies with Universal. Always like their management, their executives, how they approach their business and this was anopportunity to work with Universal and be a part of a very successful franchise and the opportunity to work with Vin [Diesel]. I've known Vin for a long time an we've always talked about doing something together, but as long as it was right and wasn't forced. This felt like the right opportunity to create a formidable adversary for him and one that was believable and that we could get on screen and rumble and dance and have some fun.
Well you...
Dwayne Johnson: DON'T CUT ME OFF MAN! I'M NOT DONE TALKING! [laughter all around]
Well you were just in You Again in this small, little role. Is there a different challenge or is it more fun t come into this big ensemble where you are a smaller part?
Dwayne Johnson: Well, You Again was a favor to Andy. I think the challenge in coming on to something like this that is not only successful, but a lot of these characters in this movie are beloved characters. And to be able to find the character that we can infuse storywise and not only that, but elevate the movie and story ina w ay that was interesting and intriguing is that challenge. I enjoyed working with the writer and spent a lot of time with Justin. We talked about story and about character and from the first time Universal approached me, I spoke to Universal, Justin and my main attention was how can I come on an elevate this - that was important to me. I think we found a way.
