If the new trailer for “Skyscraper” is anything to go by, there’s a real chance that we’ll be looking back on “Rampage” as only the second-silliest Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson blockbuster of 2018. That’s no putdown, mind you. If the upcoming action-disaster film can match the goofy thrills and over-the-top spectacle of Johnson’s “Fast and Furious” films then audiences and studios alike will be tickled pink.
“Skyscraper” is the second collaboration between Johnson and “Central Intelligence” director Rawson Marshall Thurber, a filmmaker whose directorial résumé up to now is made up of comedies like “We’re the Millers” and “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.” Thurber himself penned “Skyscraper’s” screenplay, which finds everyone’s favorite action star in a kicking ass in a massively tall building. But before you start thinking, “This sounds an awful lot like ‘Die Hard!'” don’t worry, there’s a twist — The Rock has one leg!
Johnson assumes the role of ex-FBI agent, war amputee, and all-around tough guy Will Ford. “This character is inspired by the thousands of disabled U.S. veterans and war heroes I’ve had the honor of shaking hands with over the years,” Johnson explained in an Instagram post last year. “This character is also an homage to the everyday man and woman who, despite all odds, will dig deep and do everything possible to protect and save their family.”
Here’s the official synopsis for “Skyscraper”:
Global icon Dwayne Johnson leads the cast of Legendary’s “Skyscraper” as former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Ford, who now assesses security for skyscrapers. On assignment in China he finds the tallest, safest building in the world suddenly ablaze, and he’s been framed for it. A wanted man on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family who is trapped inside the building…above the fire line.
Starring alongside Johnson is Neve Campbell, Pablo Schreiber, Noah Taylor, Roland Møller, Chin Han, Byron Mann, Hannah Quinlivan, Jason Day, Byron Lawson, and Elfina Luk.
“Skyscraper” is slated for release on July 13th.