Emily Blunt warmly praised her bond with Dwayne Johnson while discussing their work together in the 2025 sports drama film The Smashing Machine. The two actors, known widely for their collaboration on the 2021 film Jungle Cruise, spoke about the instant friendship they developed during their latest project. Their connection deepened during filming, as revealed in a conversation at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2025.
Blunt shared how their relationship grew quickly, describing an unspoken understanding between them. She said,
We just became very fast friends, like an immediate secret language, which I think you feel with certain people that you work with.
—Emily Blunt
The actress also recounted a memorable moment with Johnson on set in Hawaii. She reflected,
We just talked and shared our souls. And I was just really taken by, I guess, how different he was from what I had imagined,
before adding,
He was so gentle and quite interior and sort of contemplative and kind, just easy. Like, so lovely to be around, funny and quick, all these qualities,
—Emily Blunt
Dwayne Johnson’s Praise for His Co-Star and Friend
In turn, Johnson expressed his admiration and friendship for Blunt during the panel. He praised her talents and their mutual trust, stating,
I also want to give Emily her flowers too. She is one of the greatest actors of our time — of all time. And also one of my best friends,
—Dwayne Johnson
Johnson emphasized the importance of trust and love in their working relationship, which allowed them to be vulnerable on screen. He remarked,
In order to go to the place we were going to go, you have to have love, and then you have to have trust. And the love and the trust then allow for vulnerability. We could not have done that without this love and trust and vulnerability that we have,
—Dwayne Johnson
He concluded with heartfelt thanks to Blunt, saying,
I want to thank you, because you are the greatest.
—Dwayne Johnson
The Smashing Machine’s Journey and Upcoming Release
The film The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, explores the life of Mark Kerr, a former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter. It premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival before making its way to Toronto for the 2025 festival panel featuring Blunt and Johnson. The movie is scheduled for theatrical release on October 3, 2025, and draws attention for its raw depiction of the fighter’s career and personal struggles.
The strong rapport between Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson, evident both on and off screen, helped bring depth to their performances. Their friendship and mutual respect not only enriched the film but also demonstrated how trust between co-stars can elevate storytelling.
