Dwayne Johnson Embraces Dramatic Role in Venice Film Festival Premiere

Dwayne Johnson has embarked on a significant career transformation with his role as UFC champion Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s biographical film The Smashing Machine, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is set for theatrical release in October 2025. Johnson expressed that after years of being pigeonholed into blockbuster action roles, he was eager to explore more dramatic and vulnerable parts, driven by an internal desire to live his own dreams rather than conform to Hollywood’s expectations. The actor underwent a physical transformation, including extensive prosthetics, to authentically portray Kerr, whose story includes triumphs in MMA alongside struggles with painkiller addiction and a turbulent personal life. Johnson emphasized the influence of collaborators like director Safdie and co-star Emily Blunt in encouraging him to push beyond his established image and embrace this challenging role. The film’s production included shooting across multiple locations and utilized immersive filming techniques such as 16mm and 70mm IMAX to capture the story’s intensity. Johnson’s reflections highlight his journey from blockbuster hits like Jumanji and Black Adam to a more nuanced, career-defining performance that embraces complexity over commercial success.