'Hobbs and Shaw': Dwayne Johnson explains why he hired cousin Roman Reigns to play brother, swears it wasn't nepotism (exclusive)

In the upcoming Fast and Furious spin-off Hobbs and Shaw, we will meet the extended family of hulking taskmaster Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson), including one of his equally intimidating brothers, Mateo.

So Johnson kept the casting in the family, enlisting his cousin and fellow popular wrestler-turned-actor Roman Reigns (born Leati Joseph "Joe" Anoaʻi).

"Let me just be clear to everybody, he read for the role because we don't believe in nepotism," Johnson says in an exclusive featurette from the film (watch above). "We do believe in taking care of each other.

"But he's got to earn it."

Apparently, Reigns did exactly that, making The Rock one proud kinsman.

"There are a lot of qualities about Joe that make him appealing to a global audience. Obviously, it's why he's able to make a transition like this," Johnson said from the film's Kauai set. "And very first day, first take, bang! He knocked it out of the park. And it was a great feeling, because I was like, 'Mic drop, bitches. Look at my cousin.'"

Hobbs and Shaw, which also stars Jason Statham and Idris Elba, opens Aug. 2. Watch the trailer:

Read more on Yahoo Entertainment:

• Idris Elba wrote a song inspired by his Hobbs & Shaw villain

• Fans call for The Rock to run for president as he fights to protect Mauna Kea: ‘Champion of the people’

• Ryan Reynolds Joins Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot for Netflix Action Film 'Red Notice'

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