the rock weight loss: Dwayne Johnson shines in “The Smashing Machine” at Venice Film Festival – Oscar buzz for UFC role

Dwayne Johnson premiered his new movie, “The Smashing Machine,” at the Venice Film Festival on Monday, where he plays UFC fighter Mark Kerr. Johnson said he had “long wanted” to take on this role and was excited about the transformation it required. He said he felt a “voice inside” him asking, “what if I can do more?” despite his successful career in big action films and comedies.

Directed by Benny Safdie, Johnson says that the film is a departure from the “lane” Hollywood had put him in, based on his previous box office success. The film, which has been released by A24, is being seen as Johnson’s claim to an Oscar. He emphasized that the role wasn’t about proving something to Hollywood, but pushing himself personally, according to the AP report.

Dwayne Johnson’s big transformation

Emily Blunt, his co-star from Jungle Cruise, encouraged him to put everything from his life into his work. Johnson said sometimes it takes friends like Emily and Benny to make you believe, “you can” do something new. At Venice, Johnson was joined by Benny Safdie, Emily Blunt, and Mark Kerr, the real fighter he portrays.

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Mark Kerr is a two-time UFC heavyweight tournament winner who retired in 2009 and struggled with painkiller and opioid addiction, overdosing twice. Before acting, Johnson was a wrestler, winning eight WWE championships as a third-generation wrestler. Johnson said wrestling was fun and bombastic, but this role felt like a full-circle moment for him. “The Smashing Machine” covers 1997 to 2000, a turbulent time in Kerr’s professional and personal life, as per AP report.

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Real life challenges and relationships

Kerr’s relationship with his then-girlfriend Dawn Staples was volatile, which is explored in the film. Emily Blunt said she wanted to show the “full spectrum” of a real relationship, not a simplified movie version. Blunt described watching Johnson fully disappear into the role as extraordinary and a little spooky.Kazu Hiro, the prosthetics genius who has previously made Bradley Cooper and Gary Oldman transform into unrecognisable characters, designed the props for Johnson. Even artistic director Alberto Barbera has thrown his weight behind Blunt and Johnson for Oscar nominations. Johnson said this role allowed him to go deep, intense, and raw for the first time, as stated in the report by AP. Both Johnson and Safdie said that portraying Kerr had changed their lives. Safdie described the title, “The Smashing Machine,” as a perfect word for domination and destruction. The film is competing in Venice’s main competition, alongside movies like Frankenstein, Bugonia, The Voice of Hind Rajab, La Grazia, and No Other Choice. Winners of Venice Film Festival prizes, including acting and directing awards, will be announced on Sept. 6. “The Smashing Machine” will open in North American theaters on Oct. 3, as per the reports.

FAQs

Q1. Who does Dwayne Johnson play in “The Smashing Machine”?
He plays UFC fighter Mark Kerr, a two-time heavyweight tournament winner.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News SourceQ2. When will “The Smashing Machine” release in theaters?
The movie will open in North American theaters on October 3, 2025.



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