US actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has stunned critics and audiences with his latest performance in The Smashing Machine, which premiered this week at the Venice Film Festival. The film marks a sharp departure from his usual big-budget action roles, allowing Johnson to showcase a raw and vulnerable side that could put him in contention for his first-ever Oscar nomination.
Johnson, 53, portrays UFC legend Mark Kerr in the A24 production, directed by Benny Safdie. The role demanded a complete transformation, both physically and emotionally, as Johnson dove into the life of the fighter known for his dominance inside the octagon and his struggles outside of it.
“This movie has changed my life,” Johnson told reporters in Venice. “I had a burning desire to go deep, intense, and raw. I was hungry for this challenge.”
Breaking Free From Hollywood’s Pigeonhole
For years, Johnson dominated box offices with high-octane roles in Fast & Furious, Jumanji, San Andreas, and Black Adam. However, he admitted that Hollywood often boxed him into a narrow category.
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“When you’re in Hollywood, it becomes about box office,” Johnson said. “It pushes you into a corner—‘This is your lane, this is what you do.’ But I wanted more. I wanted to find out what else I could do as an actor.”
He credited trusted collaborators, including director Benny Safdie and co-star Emily Blunt, with giving him the courage to step outside his comfort zone. “Sometimes it takes people you love and respect to say, ‘You can do this,’” Johnson added.
The Story Behind The Smashing Machine
Set between 1997 and 2000, The Smashing Machine tells the true story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr, nicknamed after one of his early tournament triumphs. The film explores Kerr’s rise to prominence in mixed martial arts, his personal battles with substance abuse, and his relationship with girlfriend Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt.
Unlike Johnson’s usual action-packed blockbusters, the film balances fight scenes with a focus on Kerr’s humanity. “It’s not just about the battles inside the ring,” director Safdie explained. “It’s about the contradictions—how someone can be the fiercest fighter on the planet but also the kindest, most empathetic person outside of it.”
Emily Blunt on Sharing the Screen Again
Emily Blunt, who previously starred with Johnson in Jungle Cruise, praised her co-star for the courage he showed in the role. “Seeing him disappear into Mark Kerr was extraordinary,” she said. “It was spooky at times, because you didn’t see The Rock—you saw Kerr.”
Blunt highlighted that her character allowed viewers to see the reality behind Kerr’s life as a fighter. “It was an all-consuming world. Living with a fighter came with eruptions, regrets, and hazards, but also a deep, profound love,” Blunt noted. “It was a relationship full of truth.”
Critical Acclaim and Award Buzz
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman called Johnson’s performance “a revelation,” while The Telegraph praised him for being “warm, sincere, and admirably ego-less.” IndieWire suggested that while The Smashing Machine may not fit the mold of traditional awards bait, Johnson has firmly placed himself among this year’s top contenders.
Johnson’s transformation has impressed critics not only for its emotional depth but also for its physical authenticity. Prosthetics altered his appearance subtly, allowing audiences to see Kerr rather than the Hollywood superstar.
A Full-Circle Journey With Mark Kerr
Johnson first met Kerr in the 1990s during his wrestling career and has long admired him. Their friendship deepened during the making of the film. “Mark is a walking contradiction,” Johnson said. “He was the greatest fighter in the world, but he’s also gentle and empathetic. Playing him was about honoring that complexity.”
Kerr himself attended the Venice premiere, standing alongside Johnson, Blunt, and Safdie. The moment symbolized the culmination of a decades-long journey for both men.
With its strong debut, The Smashing Machine positions Johnson as a serious contender in this year’s awards race. He will likely face competition from established names like Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and Timothée Chalamet, but critics say his breakout performance has already changed the trajectory of his career.
For Johnson, however, the project was never about proving himself to Hollywood. “This was about proving something to myself,” he said. “I’ve loved making big movies, but this—this is what I was hungry for.”
As awards season approaches, one thing is clear: The Smashing Machine has not only reshaped Johnson’s career but also introduced audiences to a side of him they never thought they would see.
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