After joining action films like FAST FIVE and FASTER, one could only think that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was ready to leave the world of family friendly kid features, which with the likes of THE TOOTH FAIRY and PLANET 51, became his home.

Well, apparently that’s not completely true.

According to THR, the actor is currently in talks to lead the upcoming film, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 2, replacing Brendan Fraser.  Apparently, Fraser had to drop due to “scheduling conflicts,” but with the first film’s director, Eric Brevig, being forced out by New Line, who wants this film out by 2011, it looks like Fraser decided not to return.  In Brevig’s place will be CATS AND DOGS: REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE helmer Brad Payton, so that should pretty much tell you what to expect.

Continue reading, after the jump.

Worried about how this will play into universe continuity? First off, stop reading this because that’s just ridiculous, and second, Johnson will play the boyfriend to the mother of Josh Hutcherson’s character, with the two teaming up to save his grandfather from a mysterious island.  Yeah, sounds awesome.

Expect the film to hit sometime next year, with production starting in October.  I know so many of you care.