Dwayne Johnson, widely known as “The Rock,” shared his reflections on the varied opportunities he has encountered in Hollywood at a Venice Film Festival press conference. Johnson stars as UFC legend Mark Kerr in the biopic The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, which premiered at the festival and is set for theatrical release on October 3. This role marks Johnson’s most dramatic performance so far, co-starring alongside Emily Blunt, who portrays Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples.
Escaping Hollywood’s Narrow Expectations
Johnson discussed the challenges actors face in Hollywood, where success often means conforming to certain roles dictated by box office trends.
“I have, for a long time, wanted this,”
Johnson said, emphasizing how the industry tends to pigeonhole talents into predefined categories. He elaborated on the pressure of fitting into a specific lane defined by commercial success and how that can limit personal and creative growth. His career previously featured big-budget franchises like Jumanji, Fast and Furious, Jungle Cruise, and Black Adam, with mixed box office results.
The Desire to Explore Complex Roles
Despite his commercial achievements, Johnson expressed a strong, unresolved urge to pursue more demanding and meaningful work.
“I just had this burning desire and voice that was saying, ‘What if there is more and what if I can?’”
he said, crediting support from trusted collaborators like Emily Blunt and Benny Safdie for encouraging him to take this leap. Johnson reflected on an important moment when he questioned if he was living his own dreams or those of others and decided to break away from his past typecasting to embrace deeper, more intense roles that he had previously avoided.
Benny Safdie’s First Solo Directing Project
The Smashing Machine represents Benny Safdie’s debut as a solo director, having previously worked on acclaimed films like Uncut Gems and Good Time with his brother Josh Safdie. Safdie both wrote and directed this intimate biopic, which features actual MMA fighters such as Ryan Bader, Bas Ritten, and Oleksandr Usyk in supporting roles, adding authentic depth to the portrayal of the MMA world.
The Story Behind the Film
The movie chronicles Mark Kerr’s remarkable journey as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. Kerr’s life was first explored in the 2002 HBO documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr. The feature film’s development began in 2019, when Johnson’s production company acquired the rights to Kerr’s biography. Johnson selected Safdie as the director, but progress stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which paused much of the film industry. The project gained momentum again after Johnson reunited with Emily Blunt on Oppenheimer in 2023, reigniting interest in the film’s completion.
Industry Buzz and Awards Potential
The Smashing Machine marks a significant turning point for Johnson’s acting career, stimulating early discussions about his potential for an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This prospective acclaim underscores the film’s impact on redefining Johnson’s public and professional image, showcasing his willingness and capability to undertake more nuanced and transformative roles beyond his action-star persona.
