Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson thanks Queensland cast and crew as filming continues on Young Rock in Brisbane

As cameras continue to roll on Young Rock across Brisbane, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has sent a special video message to thank Queensland cast and crew for “making this dream come true for us”. WATCH THE VIDEO

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has sent a special message of thanks to Queensland cast and crew who have stepped in to film his NBC comedy series Young Rock.

The world’s highest paid actor shared a video message today to celebrate filming of the series, which has been underway across southeast Queensland since early October.

Dwayne Johnson shares a message to Queensland. Picture: Instagram

The production was secured for Queensland during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a multimillion-dollar Federal Government deal that will see three NBC series, including Young Rock, film in Brisbane over 18 months, and employed local crew members as well as extras.

First glimpse of Young Rock filming in Brisbane

Australian actor cast as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

Nahnatchka Khan on set in Queensland, Australia. Picture: Mark Taylor/NBCUniversal.

“I wanted to take a quick moment to let you guys know that I’m super excited that we are shooting Young Rock in Queensland, Australia,” Johnson said.

“This series with our great partners NBC, of course partnering up with Australia, is a series that is a personal passion project of mine.

He continued: “To all of our local Australian cast and our local Australian crew, thank you guys, it is truly an honour to be working with such great local talent, as you guys are making this dream come true for us and as I speak for myself personally as well as my entire family… and everybody involved in helping bring this story of my life to life.”

Johnson also thanked Federal Arts Minister Paul Fletcher as well as Australians Jeffrey Walker and Diana Reid, who stepped in to direct various episodes of the series, and “all our incredible partners in Australia for being so welcoming towards our production.”

Young Rock actors Adrian Groulx, as young Dwayne, and Joseph Lee Anderson, as Rocky Johnson, shooting scenes at Wynnum, Brisbane. Picture: Nigel Wesley

“Sorry we couldn’t do the traditional ribbon cutting as we were all looking forward to but of course, under COVID conditions we had to take these different precautions,” he said,

“Australia, thank you guys so much, and I can’t wait for you to see Young Rock.”

Filming on the series, while based at Screen Queensland Studios in Hemmant, has visited suburbs including Strathpine, Camp Hill, Scarborough, Wynnum, and on the Gold Coast.

Fresh off the Boat creator Nahnatchka Khan and co-executive producer Jeff Chiang co-wrote the pilot episode and shared the first image of the classroom set at SQ Studios.

“We’re so excited to be shooting Young Rock here in Brisbane and at Screen Queensland Studios,” said co-showrunners Khan and Chiang.

“The city offers amazing production value, the top-notch local cast and crew have been incredibly warm and welcoming, and the koalas have been as advertised – cute and sleepy.”

Meanwhile actors Fasitua Amosa and John Tui have joined the cast as Sika Anoa’i and Afa Anoa’i, better known as the professional wrestling tag team, “The Wild Samoans”.