Dwayne Johnson has signed on to the 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' sequel.

The 38-year-old actor is replacing Brendan Fraser in the family action movie, entitled 'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island'.

Fraser decided not to return after failing to reach a deal on the start date of the movie, leading to studio New Line searching for a new actor - with Johnson in final negotiations.

Brad Peyton is on board to direct the project, while Josh Hutcherson will reprise intrepid explorer Sean Anderson.

The first instalment of the movie made $250 million worldwide in 2008, and the sequel will be shot in October on location in North Carolina and Hawaii, Heat Vision Blog reports.

Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson from Contrafilm and Charlotte Huggins will produce the picture, which will be shot in 3-D.

Dwayne can next be seen in 'Why Did I Get Married Too?' alongside Janet Jackson and is currently filming 'The Fast And The Furious 5' with Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.