McG Denies Casting Dwayne Johnson For "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea"

May 5, 2009 11:42 a.m. EST

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - Director McG is denying reports that he has cast former wrestler Dwayne Johnson in his new film "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."

It was recently reported that "The Scorpion King" has signed onto the "Terminator Salvation" helmer's upcoming Disney project.

However, he denied ever talking to the wrestler-turned-actor about the remake project.

McG told SciFiWire.com in a phone interview, "I don't know where that came from. I've never spoken to Dwayne Johnson. You can be the first to report that I have no idea where that came from. I wish him every success, but I never spoke to Dwayne about this."

When pressed about the ongoing reports that say the "Race to Witch Mountain" star has been cast in the film, the director replied, "I've never spoken to Dwayne Johnson about this. I like him. He's great. He's a wonderful human being and an excellent screen presence, but we have not spoken about the '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.' Not a word."

McG, however, already has someone in mind to star in the film as Captain Nemo.

He added, "I'm out to Will Smith."