Irina Shayk: Hercules was destiny

Irina Shayk believes it was her "destiny" to star in Hercules.

The 28-year-old model takes the role of Megara in the new release, who is the wife of the titular Greek demigod portrayed by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

In a new featurette Irina explains how much winning the part means to her.

"Hi everyone, I’m really excited to be part of Hercules. It’s full of action and great fun and stars Dwayne Johnson," she says in the video, posted on MailOnline.

"It’s Greek mythology and my name is Greek. Irina is Greek so it is just destiny."

The movie follows Hercules as he tries to defeat a warlord who is threatening the King of Thrace and his daughter.

Dwayne trained hard to get in shape for the shoot, previously revealing he worked out twice a day for six days a week during a period of around two years to ensure his muscles were bulging.

The actor was impressed by Irina's dedication to the role too, insisting she was the perfect choice to play Megara.

"She has just, really, an amazing look. A very real and authentic look. She sure as hell didn’t disappoint," he gushed.

"She played it wonderfully. I mean, really magnificent. And she is incredibly beautiful."

Irina is best known for modeling for the likes of Sports Illustrated and for being the girlfriend of soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. Much as she loved getting the chance to shoot Hercules, movie making isn't something that's really been on her radar.

"I never dream to be in part of a big movie but it just happened," she said.

"So I was very excited to have such a strong, cool man on my side for my first role. It was just a dream come true."