Central Intelligence: The Complex Effects Behind the Younger Versions of The Rock and Kevin Hart

Summary

In this article, we will explore the complex visual effects used in the movie “Central Intelligence” to create the younger versions of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart. From de-aging to body scans, we will delve into the intricate details of how the visual effects teams at Weta Digital and Rodeo FX brought these characters to life.

The Challenge of Creating a Younger Version of The Rock
Melding Two Actors for the Character of Robbie Stone
Designing the Young Calvin and Other Visual Effects
Conclusion

The Challenge of Creating a Younger Version of The Rock

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is known for his muscular physique and chiseled features, so when it came to creating a younger version of him for “Central Intelligence,” the visual effects team at Weta Digital had their work cut out for them. To make matters even more challenging, The Rock’s body fat percentage is typically around 4%, which is not something that could be easily replicated.

To accomplish this feat, the team turned to Vine star Sione, who provided the body scans and dance moves for the character. Both Sione and The Rock were scanned at ICT’s light stage using broad spectrum lighting to capture over 40 facial poses and to get both actors singing on Vogue. The team then used face tracking animation software to create an accurate performance, mixing both actors’ performances depending on the shot.

Melding Two Actors for the Character of Robbie Stone

Creating the character of Robbie Stone was even more challenging as the team had to meld the 44-year-old, 6-foot-5 Johnson with the 20-something Sione. The result is a digital face based on The Rock’s distinctive features and Sione’s body, which actually grew out for the film.

One of the biggest challenges was designing the young Stone in a way that was still recognizable as Dwayne Johnson. The team took particular care around the character’s eyes to get that distinctive chiseled eyebrow look and not to lose The Rock in Robbie Stone.

Designing the Young Calvin and Other Visual Effects

Kevin Hart’s character, Calvin, was also de-aged for the basketball court sequence. The real Kevin Hart was used as the source for the young Calvin, and the team at Rodeo FX produced much of the rest of the visual effects in the action sequences throughout the film.

Conclusion

Creating the younger versions of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart in “Central Intelligence” was no easy feat. From body scans to face tracking animation, the visual effects teams at Weta Digital and Rodeo FX had to use all of their skills and expertise to bring these characters to life. The end result is a visually stunning film that is sure to entertain audiences for years to come.