Dwayne Johnson Shatters His Action-Star Image in The Smashing Machine

Dwayne Johnson Breaks Free from Hollywood Typecasting with The Smashing Machine

For decades, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been synonymous with blockbuster action films, starring in global hits like Jumanji, San Andreas, Black Adam, Moana, and the Fast & Furious franchise. But now, the 53-year-old actor is entering new creative territory that may earn him the first Oscar nomination of his career.

Johnson’s latest film, The Smashing Machine, premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where critics hailed his performance as his most transformative yet. The biographical drama, directed by Benny Safdie, casts Johnson as Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion who faced intense battles both inside and outside the octagon. The role, according to Johnson, has been nothing short of life-changing.

“I Was Pigeon-Holed—Until Now”

Johnson admitted that the relentless pursuit of box-office success had boxed him into specific action archetypes. “Hollywood pushes you into a corner: ‘This is your lane… this is what people want you to be,’” he said candidly. The Smashing Machine has given him his first chance to go deeper, emotionally and artistically.

The Rock admitted that stepping into Kerr’s shoes wasn’t about proving himself to Hollywood, but rather about answering an internal calling: “Sometimes it takes people you love and respect to remind you that you can break out of the box. For me, this role was about finally listening to that voice inside.”

A Story Beyond the Ring

Though The Smashing Machine features plenty of fight sequences, its core focus lies outside the cage. The film delves into Kerr’s struggles with substance abuse, his emotional vulnerability, and his turbulent yet loving relationship with Dawn Staples, portrayed by Emily Blunt.

Blunt, who previously worked with Johnson on Jungle Cruise, praised her co-star’s metamorphosis: “One of the most extraordinary things was seeing him completely disappear into the role. It was spooky. He wasn’t The Rock on screen anymore—he was Mark Kerr.”

She also highlighted how her character brought depth to the story: “Dawn opened up about the reality of living with a fighter—the chaos, the devotion, the eruptions, and the resilience of their love. It was a full-spectrum relationship, not a Hollywood gloss.”

A Physique & Performance Transformation

Stepping onto Venice’s red carpet with a noticeably leaner look, Johnson unveiled a striking physical departure from his past roles. But it wasn’t just his body that transformed—his performance was equally revealing. He underwent hours of prosthetic makeup each day and channeled vulnerability, addiction, and regret in a role that pushed him beyond muscular bravado.

Critical Praise and Awards Buzz

Early reviews suggest Johnson has stunned critics with his authenticity and emotional range. Variety called his performance “a revelation,” while The Telegraph described it as “warm, sincere, and admirably ego-less.” IndieWire even positioned him as a serious contender in this year’s awards season.

If recognized by the Academy, The Smashing Machine could mark a career milestone for Johnson, who until now has been celebrated more for box office clout than critical acclaim.

Venice Reacts — Standing Ovation Sets the Tone

The Italy premiere left Johnson visibly emotional. A 15-minute standing ovation at the festival moved him to tears, and audience members—including Mark Kerr himself—joined in the emotional moment. Critics hailed his performance as a revelation—raw, vulnerable, unforgettable.

Why Mark Kerr’s Story Resonates

Set between 1997 and 2000, the film takes its title from Kerr’s nickname, “The Smashing Machine,” earned after his early victories in the UFC. During that period, the sport was still experimental, bringing together fighters from different martial arts backgrounds—boxing, wrestling, karate, and more—under one roof with few restrictions.

Director Benny Safdie, best known for Uncut Gems, was drawn to the contrast between Kerr’s brutal fights and the tight-knit community behind the sport. “It was a contradiction I wanted to explore—the violence of the cage and the love between these fighters outside it.”

Johnson himself shares a personal connection to Kerr, recalling how he first met him in the 1990s while still wrestling. “I respected him then, and it’s surreal how life came full circle. Now, telling his story, I’ve grown close to him. He’s a walking contradiction—one of the toughest men alive, but also deeply kind and empathetic.”

A Career Turning Point

Reflecting on his journey, Johnson said he realized a few years ago that he wasn’t fully living his dream. “I had to ask myself—am I living my dream or just other people’s dreams? This film was my chance to finally answer that question.”

As the awards race heats up, with competitors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and George Clooney in the mix, Johnson’s role in The Smashing Machine may redefine how Hollywood sees him. More importantly, it’s redefining how he sees himself.