Yes, even the likes of Dwayne Johnson can get bamboozled during live interviews. That was especially true during his time alongside Howard Stern. The host never shied away from asking The Rock awkward questions. Heck, Stern would also state that the actor would never become a huge start under the name of Dwayne Johnson... boy was he ever wrong.
During an interview back in the early 2000s, the two discussed DJ's huge break at the time, a leading role in 'The Scorpion King'. One of DJ's co-stars was brought up during the interview and let's just say things took an awkward twist, as the host had a little fun with the action star.
Kelly Hu Played The Role Of 'The Sorceress' In 'The Scorpion King'
At the age of 53, Kelly Hu continues to age like a fine wine, active in the world of entertainment, still working on various projects.
Looking back at her resume, 'The Scorpion King' was one of her first breakout roles, appearing alongside Dwayne Johnson.
Years later, alongside Resonate, Hu would reveal that getting the role wasn't easy, as there was a variety of competition aiming for her role.
“[The director and producers] were not looking for Asians,” Hu reveals. “Every girl in the world seemed to be going up for this role. There were girls who had never acted before, Sports Illustrated swimsuit models and Victoria Secret models. The casting call was enormous!”
Hu would further reveal that the role was that much more special, given that it was the first time she appeared in a lead role.
“It was altogether an amazing experience. It was the first time I had the lead role in a film. Just to be able to have that experience and being treated like a queen was amazing.”
“There were people whose job it was to hold an umbrella over me so I didn’t get too much sun in between shots. It was kind of ridiculous. It gives you a sense of grandeur when you’re number one or number two on the call sheet.”
Not only did she have a blast in the role, but she also hit it off alongside Dwayne Johnson.
Kelly Hu Had A Blast Alongside Dwayne Johnson In The Film
Even back then, Kelly Hu saw serious potential in Dwayne Johnson. She felt as though he might be the next big action star.
In addition, the two got along extremely well, according to her words alongside Movie Web.
"Dwayne was so much fun to work with! Talk about an evolution! The Scorpion King was his first film, he did a small little bit in The Mummy [Returns] to introduce the Scorpion King, but The Scorpion King was really his first film.
"And I remember telling him he was going to be the next big action star because there was really a void: Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't really working anymore, Sylvester Stallone wasn't really doing movies anymore. "
Hu wasn't wrong, as DJ made it to the top of the Hollywood mountain, though he would have to pivot along the way.
While promoting the film, Johnson appeared alongside Howard Stern and during the throwback interview, the Shock Jock had some fun discussing DJ's co-star.
Howard Stern Teased Dwayne Johnson About His Relationship With Kelly Hu
Dwayne Johnson appeared on 'The Howard Stern Show', promoting his biggest project at the time, 'The Scorpion King'. The interview featured lots of digs at The Rock, including Stern teasing DJ about Vince McMahon owning the rights to his name at the time.
Towards the end of the interview, the two discussed the film, and that's when the topic of Hu came up.
"Is there any hot chicks in there?" Stern asked. Johnson responds, "Kelly Hu, she's on the cover of Maxim. She's half Chinese half Hawaiian."
Howard Stern would then decide to tease The Rock stating, "you probably banged her you sly dog," only for DJ to smile uncomfortably. Making matters that much more awkward, Johnson was still married to Dany Garcia at the time.
Robin Quivers was next in line with the questioning asking DJ if they had love scenes in the film, which again, he would state that they did.
It was all lighthearted stuff to end off the interview. Given his many appearances on the show, it'll be interesting to see if The Rock ever returns for another interview alongside Howard Stern. Though this time around, things would be different, given that he's on top of the Hollywood mountain.