Dwayne Johnson may be on his way to launching yet another franchise: He's set to headline a new Netflix film about folk heroes from around the globe.

Johnson will play the title role in "John Henry and the Statesmen," an original concept from writer Tom Wheeler ("The LEGO Ninjago Movie"), centered around the mythic African-American steel driver. Though details about other characters are forthcoming, the film is set to feature an ensemble cast made up of numerous popular folklore characters, of both American and international origin.

The multicultural aspect of the film is key, according to Johnson, and the feature will be specifically tailored to a global crowd.

“These diverse characters speak to a legacy of storytelling that is more relevant than ever and span across a worldwide audience regardless of age, gender, race or geography," the actor said in a statement.

"John Henry and the Statesmen" will once again re-team Johnson with his "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" director, Jake Kasdan (who's also helming the star in the upcoming sequel). Both Johnson and Kasdan are also co-producing the project, alongside Seven Bucks Productions and FlynnPictureCo., with whom Johnson just wrapped the upcoming Disney flick "Jungle Cruise."

If all goes according to plan with "John Henry," it sounds like all of these folks will be working together for the foreseeable future. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]