Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson To Star In ‘San Andreas;’ Can Hercules Survive The Earthquake?

Dwayne Johnson has just signed on for the lead in the movie "San Andreas." This is an earthquake disaster movie focused on a central character.

 The project details according to The Hollywood Reporter: "Brad Peyton, who directed Johnson in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, is helming the project, which is being produced by Beau Flynn of the Flynn Picture Co. as well as Tripp Vinson."

New Line is planning to start filming in  April 2014 and the release date is slated in 2015.

The movie synopsis: "The script is set after a devastating earthquake hits California and centers on a rugged rescue-helicopter pilot (Johnson) making a perilous trip across the state to rescue his estranged daughter." Shades of "White House Down" come to mind.

The plot was based on an initial draft by Andre Fabrizio and Jeremy Passmore  with Chad and Carey Hayes working on the most current draft. The project is based on an idea by Flynn.

New Line is aiming to challenge the epic disaster throne occupied by Roland Emmerich. Right down to the estranged father-daughter theme.

Sam Brown and Michael Disco are overseeing for New Line.

The Rock is coming off a busy year in which his appearances in G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Fast & Furious 6 and Pain & Gain generated more than $1.1 billion at the global box office. This film will be a challenge as the other productions were ensemble efforts.

He is currently filming Fast & Furious 7 after recently completing the shoot for Hercules: The Thracian Wars, directed by Brett Ratner.

Can the new Hercules survive this modern day challenge?