Dwayne Johnson Sparks Oscar Buzz with His Role in The Smashing Machine
Dwayne Johnson’s Transformation in The Smashing Machine
Dwayne Johnson makes a notable shift in his career, portraying UFC fighter Mark Kerr in *The Smashing Machine*, which had its debut at the Venice Film Festival today. This role marks a significant evolution for Johnson, who usually stars in high-budget action films and comedies.
Prior to the screening, he expressed, “I have long desired this. The aspect of transformation was something I truly wanted to dive into. Though I’ve had a fortunate career, there was an inner voice asking, what else could I do?”
Acclaimed for his metamorphosis in this project directed by Benny Safdie, Johnson is already generating Oscar buzz. Recent festivals have historically been stepping stones for many Best Actor awardees, such as Brendan Fraser for *The Whale* and Adrien Brody for *The Pianist*. A24, known for producing unique films, is behind *The Smashing Machine* as well.
The Challenge of Breaking Out from Typecasting
In his reflection on Hollywood’s pressures, Johnson said, “The box office can be quite insistent. It can confine you, pushing you into a box: this is your role, this is what you’re supposed to do, and this is what your audience expects.” While he has found success in this space, he felt compelled to break the mold.
Motivated partly by his friend and co-star Emily Blunt, who previously collaborated with him on *Jungle Cruise*, Johnson took a leap to explore his deeper potential. Blunt encouraged him to incorporate his life experiences into his performances.
“When you’re cornered by a label, it can be hard to see past that,” he mentioned. “Having friends like Emily and Benny can remind you of your capabilities.”
A Full-Circle Moment
In Venice, Johnson was supported not only by Safdie and Blunt but also by the real Mark Kerr, a notable two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion. Kerr’s journey in the sport was marred with struggles, including addiction, leading to two overdoses.
Before achieving fame in franchises like *Fast & Furious* and *Jumanji*, Johnson earned acclaim as a third-generation wrestler, with eight WWE championship titles under his belt. He admitted to the exhilarating yet theatrical nature of wrestling and described meeting Kerr in the late 1990s as inspiring, marking this film as a significant full-circle moment for him.
The timeline of *The Smashing Machine* spans from 1997 to 2000, a chaotic period for Kerr both professionally and personally, notably in his relationship with then-girlfriend Dawn Staples.
Blunt, who immersed herself in her role, expressed excitement about portraying a real relationship’s dynamics. “So many portrayals are crafted for the screen. This encapsulated the genuine intricacies of human connection, demonstrating how people can shift even within moments,” she elaborated.
Critically, the role has allowed Johnson to showcase his capacity for depth, with special effects and makeup by Kazu Hiro, known for his work on other iconic transformations.
Alberto Barbera, Venice’s artistic director, suggested that both Johnson and Blunt’s performances could lead to nominations come award season, praising Johnson as “absolutely amazing” in his portrayal.
Johnson admitted, “I used to shy away from the raw and intense aspects of acting. I finally have the chance to embrace that.” Both he and Safdie echoed the sentiment that Kerr’s journey has profoundly influenced their lives.
“It’s a privilege to shed light on his experiences and learn from them,” Safdie expressed.
As the film enters the main competition amidst other notable titles, it seeks recognition in categories including acting and directing. The winners will be revealed on September 6, with *The Smashing Machine* set to premiere in North American theaters on October 3.
