Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has always wanted to play Hercules on screen, and the wrestler-turned-actor finally landed the coveted role in Brett Ratner’s Hercules reboot. His herculean build has ensured that Johnson looks the part, and initial reviews reveal that his acting is as perfect a fit for the role as his appearance.

Johnson had to commit to a strict workout and diet regiment in order to star as the infamous mythological figure, and was asked to glue real yak hair onto his face each day.

“We wanted to deliver a ‘Hercules’ that’s never been seen before,” said Johnson. “Taking the mythology, deconstruct it, and then presenting a character and a story that’s going to entertain a lot of people. Not only that, but creating a Hercules that’s going to be defining for a generation.”

Trailers for the film looked promising and were met with general enthusiasm, but viewers had little idea of what to expect due to a delay in finishing the final version of the film, keeping the U.S. press from seeing it in advance. The film has now been released, and the media response to the film has thus far been extremely positive.

“Credit Dwayne Johnson and director Brett Ratner, of all people, for accomplishing the near-mighty in Hercules: They’ve made a sword-and-sandal spectacle that entertains. And though it’s not the second coming of 300, this Hercules[…] proves surprisingly knowing of the legend — and surprisingly willing to tweak it,” wrote USA Today.

“Ratner’s version, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the title role, is fast-paced, funny, and packed with – to indulge in a bit of ad-speak —eye-popping action,” wrote The New York Daily News. “Johnson makes his entrance wearing a conquered lion’s head and a loincloth skirt. The fact that he can pull this look off sets the tone for everything else to come.”

The film’s Associate Producer Hiram Garcia is not surprised at all by the initial positive reviews.

“This was a role that he prepared for probably over a year. We watched him on set, and it got to a point when we never saw him when he wasn’t in character.”