Uli Latukefu is set to star as Luke Finau in Prime Video’s upcoming series, Countdown, but now he’s pulling back the curtain on his time playing what many view as his most famous role. Latukefu features as a young Dwayne Johnson in Young Rock, the sitcom/biopic telling the story of The Rock’s formative years as he grew up. Latukefu plays the 18-20-year-old version of Johnson, Adrian Groulx plays him at age 10, and Bradley Constant at age 15. Randall Park also stars in the show as himself, and Ana Tuisila plays The Rock’s mother, Lia Maivia. Collider’s Aidan Kelley recently caught up with Latukefu at the premiere of Countdown, and he asked what it was like taking on such an “unenviable role”:
“At first it was very daunting. They were big shoes to fill. But it’s an honor. He’s a legend, and he’s awesome. I had a great time.”
Latukefu also featured in Black Adam as The Champion, so Young Rock wasn’t the only time he got to team up with the star. He’s currently not attached to star in any future projects other than Countdown, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him work with the star again sometime down the line. Dwayne Johnson is set to make his A24 debut later this year in The Smashing Machine, the MMA biopic detailing the life of Mark Kerr. The film also stars Emily Blunt and is coming to theaters on October 3. Johnson is also attached to star opposite Blunt and Leonardo DiCaprio in a Hawaii-set crime drama from director Martin Scorsese, but the film is currently lacking an official release date. Fans can watch Latukefu in Countdown starting on June 25 while waiting for news about potential future projects.
Who Else Stars in ‘Countdown’?
Countdown also stars Jensen Ackles, the Supernatural veteran who is also known for starring in The Boys and Tracker. Jessica Camacho, who can be seen in the most recent seasons of Bosch: Legacy and S.W.A.T., has also been set for a role in Countdown, opposite Eric Dane. Dane was recently diagnosed with ALS, and he’ll also reprise his role as Cal Jacobs in the upcoming season of Euphoria. The rest of the Countdown ensemble will be filled out by Bogdan Yasinski as Borys Volchek, Merrick McCartha as Grayson Valwell, Violett Beane as Evan Shepherd, and Elliot Knight as Keyonte Bell.
The first three episodes of Countdown premiere on Prime Video on June 25. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the show, and watch all three seasons of Young Rock on Peacock.