In July of 2001, Michael completed work on Universal's blockbuster film, 
The Scorpion King. Working closely with the film's Stunt Coordinators, Michael was called upon to act as Swordfighting Trainer, in addition to assisting with sword and fight choreography for the entire film. Along with long time friend and associate Al Leong (the film's Fight Coordinator), Michael worked with all of the film's stars, as well as the numerous stunt performers who also worked on the film. The movie is essentially a "prequel/spin-off" to 2001's summer hit, The Mummy Returns, and stars Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. World Wrestling Federation sensation, "The Rock") as Mathayus. The film chronicles his struggles to become the legendary Scorpion King. The Scorpion King also stars Academy-Award nominee Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile, Tim Burton's Planet Of The Apes), Kelly Hu (T.V.'s Martial Law), British actor Steven Brand, Bernard Hill (The Bounty, The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers), Grant Heslov (True Lies), Ralf Moeller (Gladiator), and Olympic Gold/Silver Medallist Sherri Howard.

Michael takes a break in Memnon's Throne Room.


Michael and Al Leong at the Bronson Canyon location 
used for Balthazar's bandit hideout scenes. 

The film was shot at such locations as California's Anza Borrego Desert, Yuma, Arizona, various locations in Palmdale and Lancaster, California - and at Universal Studios' own vast backlot. For more than four months, Michael worked nearly every day either on the set of The Scorpion King, or in rehearsal halls training and practicing fight routines with cast members. "There's lots of big action…lots of sword fighting. The show kept Al (Leong) and I very busy, often splitting us up between Main and 2nd units with many fight scenes shooting simultaneously". However, Michael found the time to lend his skills in front of the camera as well as behind the camera. "I did a few things", he recalls. "I played several different Red Guards (red-turbaned soldiers belonging to the evil Memnon)…basically getting killed in some manner by one of the good guys or femme fatales. I also played one of two harem guards that face off with The Rock's character in one scene. Although the entire scene took a week to shoot, you have to pay close attention to spot me… The scene moves quick".

The Rock and Michael Dawson 
on the Memnon's courtyard set.

Michael fondly recalls that "everyone was great to work with…both cast and the crew. The Rock was an absolute pleasure to work with. He's a natural. With his wrestling background, he was a quick study, picking up his routines fast. He has the makings of becoming this decade's big action star. More importantly, he's very approachable, down-to-earth real, and genuine." On working with some of the other stars, Michael said he has been a big fan of Michael Clarke Duncan since The Green Mile, and was thrilled to work with him. Clarke Duncan plays the proud and powerful bandit-king Balthazar, a character who is supposed to be proficient in both sword and staff combat, proving to be a match even for The Rock. "He's another genuine, approachable guy…and very dedicated to his craft. It was fun working with Michael". Michael also worked a great deal with Steven Brand, who plays the movie's main baddie, Memnon. "He was great to work with, but had the difficult task of learning to realistically wield double-swords…and in such a short time. Steven was the only actor who had to fight with not one but two swords…and in a 'stylized' manner, fusing martial arts techniques with savage "Hyborian-style" sword fighting. He did a great job and really sold himself as a master of these weapons. I also felt that he made a great screen villain. He's a solid actor." Gladiator's Ralf Moeller, who portrays Memnon's right hand man, Thorak, was no stranger to swordplay. Michael recollects that Ralf was easygoing and very amicable. "He really enjoyed all the hard work and took everything difficult in stride". Michael also worked closely with Sherri Howard (playing Queen Isis in the film) and her warrior women entourage that also appear in the film. "She was awesome. Her athletic background made everything easy, and we were able to give her some extra cool stuff to do in her fights", he said. Michael regards her as a good friend now after all of the time they spent working on the set together. "She is a wonderful, dedicated, and talented person. She's got the discipline and hard work thing down pat. She's a great actress and has all the elements anyone could wish for in a movie heroine. She's gorgeous, funny, tough, athletic, and sharp as a tack." The Scorpion King is directed by Chuck Russell (A Nightmare On Elm Street 3, The Mask, Eraser, Bless The Child).

Universal Studios released the film in April of 2002, breaking box office records for the highest-grossing opening weekend in history for the month of April. You can check out more exclusive photos from the set of The Scorpion King by accessing The Vault Of Horrors. For more info on Michael's stunt work, check out The Kung Fu Connection.