The Rock’s Forgotten Action Comedy Gem: Why The Rundown Deserves a Sequel

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is one of the rare, larger-than-life action film stars still thriving in Hollywood today, known for headlining massive franchises like Jumanji and Fast & Furious. Before he became a box office giant, however, he starred in The Rundown, an underrated action comedy from 2003 that saw him go up against Christopher Walken in an adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones, set deep within the Brazilian rainforest.

Under the guidance of director Peter Berg, the action-packed movie titled “The Rundown” is often overlooked but deserves more recognition as one of the best underrated films of the 2000s. Featuring a powerful blend of fights, chases, and gunfights, this film benefits greatly from the exceptional camaraderie between Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Seann William Scott from “American Pie“. Remarkably, this 2003 release holds significance as it marked the debut of Johnson showcasing his acting talents, following his confirmation as a leading action star in “The Scorpion King“.

Why The Rundown Is The Rock’s Most Underrated Movie

The Rundown Is A Simple, Thrilling Action Comedy

The adventure titled “The Rundown” begins by introducing Beck, a skilled debt collector working under his supervisor Billy Walker. Just as Beck is about to retire, Billy assigns him one final task: he must fetch Billy’s son Travis from a remote mining town nestled deep in the Brazilian rainforest. Once this task is accomplished, Beck will receive sufficient funds to launch his own dream restaurant.

Trouble arises when Beck locates Travis, who’s on a quest for a nearby artifact named “The Devil Cat.” Travis refuses to stop this search, causing complications. To add fuel to the fire, they run into the movie’s villain, crime boss Hatcher (played by Christopher Walken), who is terrorizing the town’s residents in his pursuit of the same artifact. As a result, what initially seemed like a straightforward extraction for Beck transforms into an exhilarating treasure hunt, compelling him to team up with Travis and Mariana, a rebellious figure (portrayed by Rosario Dawson), to find “The Devil Cat” and survive in the process.

Will The Rundown 2 Ever Happen?

Though It’s Been 23 Years, Never Say Never

Despite being positively received by both critics and viewers, the film “The Rundown” failed to recoup its production costs at the box office, earning just $80.9 million against a budget of $85 million. Consequently, plans for a sequel were abandoned due to its financial shortcomings. However, it’s worth noting that ideas for a follow-up had been floating around, as director Peter Berg hinted in an interview about a script for a sequel set in the icy landscapes of Alaska, though he didn’t reveal any additional details.

In essence, “The Rundown” stands out as an exceptional comedy for those seeking a more realistic film from The Rock, offering both humor and thrilling action sequences. Remarkably, “The Rundown” holds a significant place in Dwayne Johnson’s career due to its instrumental role in establishing him as an action movie legend (alongside the film’s grand spectacle and a standout performance by Christopher Walken as Hatcher). Regrettably, there’s no news about a sequel after 23 years, but given its status as an underappreciated action-comedy, fans eagerly await a continuation in 2025.

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2025-05-11 20:23