Earlier this year, we saw what Renny Harlin's version of 'Hercules' looked like with 'Twilight' star Kellan Lutz in the title role, but now it's time for the strongman to take center stage. Brett Ratner is at the helm of this new adaptation of the 'Hercules' story with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the role he was born to play.

USA Today revealed the first two official photos (not the ones Johnson let loose via Twitter) from 'Hercules,' and although this transformation seemed like a simple one for the 'Fast and Furious' actor, "the No. 1 goal [was] to make the definitive version of 'Hercules,'" he said, which required a lot of training. In true Rock style, Johnson was up every morning working out for hours at the gym.

This version of 'Hercules' is based on the graphic novel 'Hercules: The Thracian Wars.' According to USA Today:

The story finds Hercules after he has endured his famous 12 Labors (which included slaying a nine-headed hydra and the fearsome Nemean lion), punishment bestowed on him after killing his family in a fit of insanity.

Hercules is still in a dark place mentally, with scars from his many battles. But now he is traveling with a group of mercenaries and cashing in on his famous name until he's hired to train an army for an epic battle.

It was unclear at first whether filming 'Hercules' would interfere with Johnson's responsibility to 'Fast and Furious 7,' given the conflicting schedules. But in the end, he was able to pull off both -- 'Hercules' will hit theaters this July 25, while 'Fast 7' is scheduled for release April 10, 2015.

UPDATE: The Rock unveiled the first 'Hercules' poster ahead of the big trailer reveal Tuesday. And, unsurprisingly, it features The Rock.

Hercules The Rock
Paramount Pictures
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Hercules The Rock
Paramount Pictures
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Hercules Poster The Rock
Paramount Pictures
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