The Rock Premieres Dramatic Mark Kerr Biopic At Venice

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made his debut at the Venice Film Festival with the world premiere of "The Smashing Machine," a departure from his typical action roles. In the film, Johnson portrays Mark Kerr, a former MMA fighter who struggled with addiction and complex personal relationships, particularly with his wife Dawn, played by Emily Blunt. Johnson underwent a significant physical transformation, including losing 60 pounds and bulking up as required, to authentically represent Kerr's nuanced character. He described the film as a love story rather than a fight story, emphasizing the emotional and relational aspects over physical battles. Both Johnson and Blunt received praise for their performances, with Blunt noting Johnson's complete immersion into the role and Kerr himself expressing admiration for the film's detailed portrayal. Directed by Benny Safdie, "The Smashing Machine" is positioned as a bold new chapter in Johnson's career, showcasing his dramatic range beyond blockbuster action films.