Universal and Legendary have teamed up to acquire Dwayne Johnson’s action comedy “Red Notice,” an individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap.
This week, the project had been in a bidding war that included almost all major studios, including Warner Bros., Paramount and Sony. Universal and Legendary are already teamed up on Johnson’s upcoming “Skyscraper,” and Universal produces the “Fast and Furious” movies as well as the upcoming spinoff starring Johnson and Jason Statham.
Like “Skyscraper,” “Red Notice” will be produced by Beau Flynn through his FlynnPictureCo. with Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia through their Seven Bucks Production banner, along with Rawson Marshall Thurber, who is writing and directing.
According to multiple media reports, the film will cost upwards of $125 million and will include a $20 million payday for The Rock, plus an eight-figure salary for Thurber.
Deadline first reported the news about the bidding war and Johnson’s salary. According to the outlet, the pitch was a fully-fleshed out package with the guarantee that Johnson could start production in the spring of 2019. The project will look for one more lead.
Thurber directed Johnson in “Skyscraper” and “Central Intelligence,” and his other credits include “We’re the Millers” and “The Mysteries of Pittsburgh.” He is represented by WME and ID Public Relations.
Johnson will next star in “Rampage” and “Fighting with my Family,” as well as in his HBO series “Ballers.” He is represented by WME, Viewpoint and Jonesworks.