Michael Caine Gives The Rock Company On Journey To The Center Of The Earth Sequel
So… let me get this straight. New Line lets Brendan Fraser walk from JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND… and then replaces him with The Rock and Michael Caine…? Could it be possible that attempts are being made to have JOURNEY 2 not suck anywhere near as much as the first JOURNEY and actually be a watchable and entertaining family film?
The Hollywood Reporter reports that Michael Caine is in final talks to join JOURNEY 2, where he would play the missing grandfather of the returning Josh Hutcherson, who is being sought out on the mysterious island in question. The Rock would play Hutcherson’s mom’s boyfriend who is along for the journey (pun clearly intended), and suddenly this doesn’t look like Brendan Fraser’s sloppy seconds anymore. The addition of The Rock didn’t exactly turn things around, considering his history with THE TOOTH FAIRY, but Michael Caine… that’s someone whose name makes you stop and take pause in assessing what this film could turn out to be.
I have a hard time believing that Caine would take parts just for the money at this point in his life and his career, so perhaps there’s something about JOURNEY 2 that’s honestly good enough to get Caine to say yes. If so, then maybe it’s a blessing that Brendan Fraser walked away. I would gladly trade The Rock and Michael Caine for Brendan Fraser any day of the week. Hell, I’d trade a set of itchy balls for Brendan Fraser when you really get down to it… or a 6-pack… or just about anything. So, with Michael Caine a part of JOURNEY 2, dare I say that this sequel looks to be on the up and up?
