Dwayne Johnson to portray King Kamehameha

Dwayne Johnson is set to star as historical figure King Kamehameha in an upcoming film titled The King, from director Robert Zemeckis.

Johnson announced his involvement with the film on Instagram where he described the history behind King Kamehameha and the fact that he has been eyeing the role since he started acting.

“Humbled & grateful to begin this once in a lifetime journey,” the actor said alongside a screenshot of a news article about The King. “King Kamehameha — the legendary King was the first to unite the warring Hawaiian Islands — fulfilling the prophecy that surrounded his fabled life since birth and creating the powerful & spiritual 50th state as we know it today,” he continued.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ delayed

Paramount has delayed its upcoming sequel to 1986’s Top Gun titled Top Gun: Maverick to June 26, 2020.

The film, which will star a returning Tom Cruise as Maverick, was originally set for release on July 12, 2019. Paramount says the delay is to give filmmakers more time to work out the logistics of presenting flight sequences using new technology and planes.

Top Gun: Maverick, directed by Joseph Kosinski, entered into production in May with Cruise posting on social media a photo of himself in full pilot gear as he looked on at an F-14A Tomcat. Cruise will be joined by Miles Teller, as the son of original character Goose, Val Kilmer reprising his role as Iceman. Jennifer Connelly, Glen Powell, Monica Barbaro, Jon Hamm and Ed Harris are among the others in the cast.

The sequel will follow Maverick in the present day as he deals with the rise of drone technology which is making his style of jet fighter flying obsolete. Cruise’s character will also be seen taking Teller under his wing as a new protégé.

Eminem releases surprise new album

Eminem released a surprise 13-track album, Kamikaze, taking aim at Trump, Harvey Weinstein, Drake and more.

The Detroit rapper announced it on Twitter, writing, “Tried not to over think this one … enjoy.”

Kamikaze, which is his second full-length studio album in eight months, was executive produced by Eminem and Dr Dre.

Eminem’s new album also features some collaboration with Canadian singer Jessie Reyez, Detroit rappers Joyner Lucas and Royce Da and Bon Iver front man Justin Vernon.

People on Twitter were quick to point out similarities between the 45-year-old rapper’s cover art and the Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill released in 1986.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 8th, 2018