New scenes from the upcoming summer blockbuster film Hercules aired Wednesday night on MTV, featuring Dwayne Johnson in the title role.

The Brett Ratner film sees Johnson as the Greek demigod Hercules who, having endured his legendary twelve labors, has his life tested when he is summoned by the King of Thrace and his daughter to aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord.

Johnson is mostly known for his WWE career he began in 1996 with the name Rocky Maivia in a group popularly recognized as “The Nation of Domination.” He later took over the group, and changed his name to The Rock, for which he owns all rights.

Johnson said in an interview with Comic Book Resources that he wanted to play the role of Hercules as soon as he came to Hollywood fourteen years ago.

“I first asked about it when I came to Hollywood 14 years ago. I asked about Hercules and Walking Tall, but at that time I was actually shooting Scorpion King, so it was a little close,” Johnson said.

“I’m happy I didn’t make it back then, because I couldn’t have brought I think the same weight and substance, just living as a man and having the experiences I’ve had today,” he continued.

Johnson, whose film credits include Snitch and G.I. Joe: Retaliation, is currently filming Fast & Furious 7, reprising his role as Luke Hobbs.

Co-starring along side Johnson in the film is a cast that includes Ian McShane, Joseph Fiennes, Rufus Sewell, and John Hurt.

Hercules,  based on the Radical Studios graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars, is scheduled to release in theaters July 25. 

Image via YouTube