SCORPION KING - THE ROCK GOES GAY

Hulking SCORPION KING star DWAYNE 'THE ROCK' JOHNSON is preparing to play a gay villain in JOHN TRAVOLTA's new movie - as a tribute to his homosexual mentor.

The former wrestler jumped at the chance to play "a half black, half Samoan villain, gay bodyguard trying to break into Hollywood" in the GET SHORTY sequel BE COOL, because the role gave him the chance to say thanks to his Tinseltown father figure.

He says, "This is a chance to be self-deprecating for me because I love that type of humour.

"My father figure in Hollywood is gay and I'm proud of that. I've known him for years and he has helped me tremendously and I'm proud of him and I always stick up for him too."