Hollywood superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is winning widespread acclaim for his intense and transformative role as UFC legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. The film, which recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival, showcases Johnson like never before, earning him early Oscar buzz for his powerful and deeply emotional performance.
After years of being typecast in blockbuster hits like Fast & Furious, Jumanji, and Black Adam, Johnson revealed he had a “burning desire” to take on a raw, dramatic role. Directed by Benny Safdie, the movie explores Kerr’s life both inside and outside the octagon, touching on his battles with addiction, his rise in the UFC, and his complex relationship with Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt.
Critics have praised Johnson’s transformation, calling it “a revelation” and “a career-defining performance.” According to Variety, Johnson “seems like a new actor,” while The Telegraph applauds his “warm, sincere and admirably ego-less” acting.
Set between 1997 and 2000, The Smashing Machine is based on Kerr’s real-life journey and the nickname he earned after his early UFC victories. The film offers a refreshing departure from Johnson’s typical high-octane roles, focusing instead on emotional depth and character-driven storytelling.
Johnson, now 53, shared that this project was about personal growth:
“I’ve been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now. This was about me proving something to myself, not Hollywood.”
With early awards buzz surrounding his name, Johnson could be a strong contender in this year’s Best Actor race, competing against Hollywood giants like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and George Clooney.
