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- A Star-Studded Action Comedy Extravaganza
- Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s Impromptu Cameo
- A Critical Stud & Box Office Dud
As someone who grew up watching these action-packed buddy comedies of the ’80s, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when I think about “The Rundown.” It was like a dream come true to see Dwayne Johnson and Sean William Scott share the screen. Their chemistry was electric, and it felt as if I had been transported back in time to my childhood.
Before Dwayne Johnson, then known by his WWE persona “The Rock,” established himself as a leading man in Hollywood, he was striving to make a name for himself on the big screen. In the 2003 buddy action comedy “The Rundown,” Johnson partnered with Sean William Scott from “American Pie.” In this film, he portrayed a tenacious bounty hunter tasked with finding his boss’s wisecracking son in Brazil. This quest resulted in a chain of unforeseen, hilarious events.
In Johnson’s third acting stint, he took on a comedic role following his debut in the blockbuster hit The Mummy Returns, released in 2001, where he played the lead alongside The Scorpion King spin-off. Despite not setting the box office alight with The Rundown, it showcased Johnson’s charm and appeal, and featured an unforeseen yet iconic cameo by a renowned action star – none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, a legend in Hollywood. Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind Schwarzenegger’s brief appearance in the movie.
A Star-Studded Action Comedy Extravaganza
Prior to his rise as one of Hollywood’s top earners and charming actors, known for his blockbuster hits on the silver screen, Dwayne Johnson was striving to establish himself in the acting industry following his success as wrestling icon, The Rock, in the WWE. In 2003, “The Rundown” marked Johnson’s second significant leading role and third major screen project (following “The Mummy Returns” and “The Scorpion King”). This action-packed comedy featured a distinguished cast alongside him, including Sean William Scott, Rosario Dawson, and Christopher Walken.
In the lively and highly enjoyable movie, Johnson plays the role of Beck, a clever bounty hunter with dreams of becoming a chef. Assigned to track down his employer’s prodigal son, Travis Walker (Scott), in a remote Brazilian mining town named El Dorado, Beck must bring him back to the United States. Upon arrival in this small community, Beck soon realizes he may have taken on more than he can handle as he finds himself embroiled in conflicts with not just the slick treasure hunter Travis, but also the ruthless mining operation owner Hatcher (Walken) and a band of brave rebels led by the captivating Mariana (Dawson).
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Impromptu Cameo
In an instant that might slip past you unnoticed, action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger slipped into the scene of the bustling comedy, unexpectedly making a brief, unaccredited appearance. His character was spotted as Beck, the protagonist, strolled through the hallway en route to retrieve a professional football player’s cherished championship ring from a crowded nightclub. As Beck reluctantly agreed to his boss Billy Walker’s (William Lucking) request to collect the debt owed by the athlete, whom he admired greatly, he brushed past Schwarzenegger who subtly wished him luck, hinting at the intense physical confrontation that was imminent for Beck.
In an unexpected turn of events, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s visit to Universal Studios coincided with the filming of The Rundown. Instead of just having lunch with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as originally planned, Schwarzenegger decided to join the set. Director Peter Berg saw this as a golden opportunity and convinced him to make a brief appearance. This impromptu scene turned out to be a significant moment, suggesting that The Terminator was symbolically passing his action legacy to Johnson and giving a boost to his career. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2003, Johnson had not anticipated Schwarzenegger’s involvement in the comedy.
Many similarities were drawn between us, which were complimentary, yet I never felt he was suitable for the film role or anything. Still, I sense a favor being owed, though the timing remains uncertain.
Berg cleverly understood that fans would be delighted by even a fleeting encounter between the two popular actors (in this comedy), hence he swiftly invited Schwarzenegger for a brief appearance. Agreeing under the condition it could be filmed immediately, Schwarzenegger was on set within 15 minutes of the discussion and prepared to start shooting. The quick interaction between Beck and Schwarzenegger’s character at the bar offered fans a heartwarming and electrifying scene, enhancing the overall effect and anticipation of the movie, serving as an enjoyable surprise.
A Critical Stud & Box Office Dud
Back in 2003, when I first watched “The Rundown” on its global debut on September 26th, I was thoroughly captivated by the heartwarming camaraderie between Dwayne Johnson and Seann William Scott that shone on the screen. Their witty exchanges and hilarious antics left me in stitches. The movie also impressed me with its well-executed action sequences, engaging plot, and Johnson’s charismatic acting. Many viewers, including myself, praised “The Rundown” for its nod to the popular buddy action comedies of the ’80s. On Rotten Tomatoes, it garnered a respectable 70% score from critics, which was quite an achievement for Johnson, who was still making a name for himself in the industry at that time.
In spite of receiving favorable reviews, The Rundown struggled to gain traction in movie theaters and ultimately flopped as a box office failure, earning only $81 million against its $85 million production cost. This film, however, is considered one of Dwayne Johnson’s less successful projects, although it has since garnered increased appreciation for its understated performance from the actor and showcasing his talent. Although it didn’t make a big impact when first released, it has become a notable role in Johnson’s career. Despite its modest reception, whispers of a possible sequel have persisted, with discussions about a continuation starting immediately after its premiere.
Peter Berg, the director, has mentioned that discussions about a sequel have been continuous with Johnson. Back in 2013, Berg officially declared he was working on a second film based on “The Rundown”. By 2016, a potential sequel had been scripted with Kevin Hart and Jonah Hill set to star, but the new installment hasn’t progressed yet. In September 2020, Berg provided an update stating that the project is still in development, though Johnson’s hectic schedule was cited as a delaying factor for the sequel’s official start. Whether fans of “The Rundown” will eventually get another hilarious, action-packed movie remains to be seen.
Stream The Rundown on Netflix.
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2024-09-11 03:31