Dwayne Johnson is set to make a move into the world of superhero movies for the first time, with announcement that he’s to play the title role in Shane Black’s upcoming film Doc Savage.

‘The Rock’ did the big reveal himself via his Instagram account on Monday morning (May 30th), confirming that he’ll be portraying “the world’s first superhero”, Clark ‘Doc’ Savage, in the long-gestating project of the same name. Shane Black has been attached to the film since he was revealed as co-writer and director way back in 2013.

Dwayne JohnsonDwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is to take the title role in 'Doc Savage'

The 44 year old star had recently been tipped for the part after an interview with Black in Thrillist earlier in May, in which he called Johnson “the guy”. He's had plenty of experience in all-action movies such as San Andreas until now, so the jump into big-budget superhero movies seems logical.

Johnson revealed that he’s excited to take on the part of the famous superhero, who inspired the character of Superman, not only because “he is literally the master of everything,” but because he’s a “f***ing hilarious weirdo.”

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“Confidently, yet innocently he has zero social graces whatsoever due to his upbringing,” Johnson says in his Instagram post, “so every interaction he has with someone is direct, odd, often uncomfortable and amazingly hilarious.”

A photo posted by therock (@therock) on

“After speaking for hours with Shane Black I can see why the creator of Superman took only the best parts of Doc Savage and leaving the ‘weirdo’ part behind. But to us, it’s that ‘weirdo’ part that makes Clark ‘Doc’ Savage dope! Can’t wait to sink my teeth into this one of a kind character.”

Johnson is the star of the forthcoming Baywatch re-make, and started work on the eighth instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise earlier in May.

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