Dwayne Johnson brought The Smashing Machine to the Venice Film Festival, unveiling his portrayal of MMA legend Mark Kerr in a dramatic turn that emphasizes raw emotion over spectacle, as reported by the Associated Press.
At Venice, Johnson and the team highlighted a significant physical and emotional transformation for the role, with the actor focusing on authenticity to inhabit Kerr’s life in and out of the ring, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Johnson also addressed how the project allowed him to break from expectations, saying he had been “pigeonholed in Hollywood,” a shift he’s actively challenging with this performance, per Variety.
He credited Emily Blunt for helping him access deeper vulnerability during the process, calling her his “best friend,” as he revealed in an interview cited by People.
Blunt supported the Venice rollout in person, joining Johnson for the festival premiere of the film, according to Daily Mail.
The dramatic pivot comes after years of streaming dominance tied to action vehicles like Red Notice, which Hindustan Times noted for its starry trio of Gal Gadot, Dwayne Johnson, and Ryan Reynolds in Netflix viewership roundups.
Why The Smashing Machine marks a turning point for Dwayne Johnson
The Smashing Machine puts Johnson inside the battered, conflicted world of Mark Kerr, a revered figure in mixed martial arts. Rather than leaning on quips or sheer physicality, Johnson centers fragility and consequence. Reports out of Venice emphasize how he reshaped his body and process to present Kerr with lived-in detail, a move that dovetails with his stated desire to move past being “pigeonholed” into one type of role.
Emily Blunt’s presence — on screen and off — underscores the project’s emphasis on trust and partnership. Johnson’s acknowledgment of her influence suggests a collaborative creative shift in how he approaches character work.
What we don’t know yet
Details beyond the festival debut — including wider release plans, awards strategy, and streaming availability — were not confirmed in the reporting cited here. As more information is announced, we’ll update how and when audiences can see Johnson’s turn as Mark Kerr.
For now, Venice sets the tone: Dwayne Johnson is steering into risk, revealing a different gear with The Smashing Machine — and signaling a new chapter built on vulnerability. Check out the official trailer below.
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