Dwayne Johnson’s latest film, The Smashing Machine, has taken the 2025 Venice International Film Festival by storm, marking a profound shift in his career and drawing widespread critical acclaim. The film, directed and co-produced by Benny Safdie and produced by A24, chronicles the tumultuous journey of Mark Kerr—the legendary UFC fighter known as “The Smashing Machine.” Johnson’s transformation for the biographical sports drama has captivated fans, critics, and film industry observers alike, with early Oscar buzz stirring in the wake of its debut.
Dwayne Johnson’s Transformation and Acting Challenge
Known worldwide for his charisma, larger-than-life persona, and blockbuster action hits, Dwayne Johnson’s choice of role in The Smashing Machine demonstrates an ambition to break away from Hollywood typecasting. Johnson underwent a remarkable physical transformation for the role, discarding his iconic muscular bulk for a leaner, more rugged physique that reflected Kerr’s appearance during the height of his career as a two-time UFC heavyweight champion. To achieve a fully authentic look, Johnson spent over three hours daily in prosthetic makeup, sometimes wearing 13-14 pieces, describing the process as both “fear-inducing” and “liberating.” The actor confessed that this was the first time in years he felt genuinely nervous, voicing a deep desire to move beyond the restrictive lanes of action hero roles and embrace his vulnerability onscreen.
The Story Behind The Smashing Machine
The narrative of The Smashing Machine is rooted in the real struggles faced by Mark Kerr, whose victories in the ring were counterbalanced by a battle against opioid addiction and a volatile personal life. The story was previously captured in a 2002 HBO documentary, which Johnson saw years ago and credits as a deep source of inspiration for the project. The film follows Kerr’s meteoric MMA ascent, his devotion to the sport, and his harrowing fight against substance abuse, revealing not just his triumphs but also the heavy toll that fame and physical punishment took on his life. The script focuses intently on Kerr’s relationship with his then-wife Dawn Staples, played with moving intensity by Emily Blunt. Their dynamic—marked by love, frustration, loss, and reconciliation—is core to the film’s emotional heart.
Cast and Directorial Vision
Emily Blunt’s presence amplifies the emotional depth of The Smashing Machine. Her acclaimed portrayal of Dawn Staples, Kerr’s partner through turmoil and redemption, received praise for authenticity and nuance; Blunt’s off-screen friendship with Johnson reportedly helped create an honest and compelling chemistry onscreen. The supporting cast includes Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman, Bas Rutten himself, Oleksandr Usyk as Igor Vovchanchyn, and other notable MMA figures, all contributing to a realistic depiction of the sport’s golden era.
Benny Safdie’s direction brings a raw and immersive aesthetic, shooting much of the film on 16mm film across locations in New Mexico, Tokyo, and Vancouver, with Maceo Bishop as cinematographer. The gritty visual style enhances the immediacy of MMA fights and emotional distress, while Nala Sinephro’s score adds poignant atmosphere.
Venice Film Festival Premiere and Industry Reception
The film’s world premiere in the prestigious competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival was met with considerable anticipation. Venice’s artistic director Alberto Barbera expressed high expectations, stating that Johnson’s performance, along with Blunt’s, could easily be in the running for the Oscars next year. This follows Venice’s recent track record with Best Actor nominees. Johnson’s arrival at the Festival—alongside Mark Kerr—is viewed as a major event, symbolizing the film’s importance and industry recognition.
Emotional Impact and Personal Reflections
Johnson has spoken candidly about feeling emotional while portraying Kerr’s journey, and both he and Blunt became personally invested in honoring the real people behind their roles. During press events, Johnson shed light on how Kerr’s story—a blend of overwhelming triumph and personal collapse—resonated deeply with him, as he too has faced loss and witnessed the ravages of addiction among friends. Johnson aimed not just to portray a fighter’s physicality, but to capture the quiet suffering and hope for redemption. His performance is being hailed as nearly unrecognizable, embodying the soft-spoken yet powerful contradiction that Kerr embodied.
Mark Kerr himself attended the Venice premiere, visibly moved by both the film’s depiction and Johnson’s tribute. Having survived two overdoses and celebrated as one of history’s most feared MMA fighters, Kerr’s real-life story adds authenticity and gravity to the film’s message. The movie insists that, behind the violence and bravado, are stories of love, pain, and perseverance—a message Johnson hopes will resonate with audiences everywhere.
Release, Trailers, and Oscar Buzz
Following its Venice premiere, The Smashing Machine will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival before its planned US release on October 3, 2025. The first trailer dropped in late April, showcasing the intensity and drama that define the movie. The project is backed by A24, known for championing distinctive and award-winning independent cinema. Multiple critics already view Johnson as a serious contender for the upcoming awards season, with reviews lauding Safdie’s uncompromising directorial style and the powerful chemistry between Johnson and Blunt.