Moncton — In honour of his portrayal of New Brunswickers in film and television, a 1:1 scale replica of Canadian actor and retired WWE wrestler Robert Maillet has been added to the Moncton skyline, where it will stand as a shining example of New Brunswickers’ ability to fulfill their dreams and find new work that isn’t based in Alberta.
The 6’10” (2.08 m) actor, born in Sainte-Marie-de-Kent just north of Moncton, is known for playing imposing, often villainous characters in mainstream hits on the big and small screen, appearing in 300, Sherlock Holmes, Pacific Rim, Haven and The Strain. New Brunswickers, however, see him more as a proverbial “gentle giant,” a soft-spoken, pop culture-loving ambassador for the province. News of the monument was met with widespread applause by his fans.
“I went to see Mad Max: Fury Road last summer and the Acadian Giant was sitting right behind me. It was pretty cool,” said local movie buff Edgar Ouillet. “We talked about the movie on the way out. He seemed real nice. You would think a Hollywood bigshot like that would have an ego or something, but he’s really approachable. I follow him on Twitter now.”
“Maritimers from all over should take a cue from Robert Maillet’s humble personality, as well as his dedication to his profession, his charity work, and his home province,” said Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc. “Nothing short of a life-sized monument could do justice to this man and what he stands for.”
An earlier plan called for a high-rise with luxury condos, tentatively named “Kurrgan Tower,” but city planners realized that with more people leaving the province, it would be cheaper and more sustainable to set up a 1:1 scale replica of Robert Maillet in downtown Moncton.
City officials, who recently saw Pacific Rim for the first time, hope the monument will also serve as a deterrent to any giant monsters mutated out of exposure to the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant. Some locals recently reported seeing some suspicious movement from the Shediac lobster statue, with many hoping both monuments will come alive to do battle for supremacy of Southeastern New Brunswick.
Editor’s note: Mr. Maillet could not be reached for comment as he is busy on the set of his latest project.
way to go rob , i am proud to know you . sharon.
I LIVE JUST DOWN THE ROAD FROM HIM. I SEE HIM AT THE GROCERY STORE ALL THE TIME WITH HIS WIFE. HE’S A GREAT GUY.