US actor Dwayne Johnson, widely known as The Rock, has revealed his desire to take on more challenging roles after years of being pigeon-holed as a blockbuster star. At 53, Johnson could be in line for his first Oscar nomination for his performance in The Smashing Machine, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
Playing UFC fighter Mark Kerr, Johnson said the role “certainly changed my life.” The actor described the transformation as something he was “really hungry to do.”
“I’ve been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now, until I had this opportunity,” Johnson told journalists.
Johnson’s Hollywood career is built on high-budget hits such as Jumanji, San Andreas, Black Adam, Moana, Baywatch, and the Fast & Furious franchise. The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, reunites him with Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s girlfriend, Dawn Staples.
Johnson explained his motivation for the role: “I have wanted this for a long time. When you’re in Hollywood, it becomes about box office numbers. It can push you into a lane—this is your lane, this is what you do, and this is what people want you to be.”
He continued, “I understood that, and I made those movies. Some were really good, some not so good. But I had this burning desire asking, ‘What if there’s more? What if I can?’ Sometimes it takes people you love and respect to say, ‘You can.’”
The actor emphasized that his choice was more personal than professional. “It’s not about proving anything to Hollywood. It’s about me, internally,” he said.
Early reviews have praised Johnson’s performance. Variety called him “a revelation” and noted he “seems like a new actor.” The Telegraph gave the film four stars, stating Johnson’s performance was “warm, sincere and admirably ego-less.” IndieWire noted that while the film may not be easy awards material, Johnson “earns a sizeable position among this year’s prize-seekers.”
Unlike Johnson’s typical films, The Smashing Machine focuses on the early UFC scene in the 1990s, exploring Kerr’s pioneering role in the sport. Director Benny Safdie said, “There was something so experimental about that time. Fighters from different martial arts competed against each other. It was a close-knit community with love and respect, which I wanted to explore.”
The film balances fight scenes with the personal struggles of Kerr, including substance abuse and his complex relationship with Dawn. Emily Blunt described Johnson as “a dear friend” and praised how fully he disappeared into the role. Blunt highlighted the depth of her character, explaining that it showed the full spectrum of life with a professional fighter, with all its challenges, regrets, and devotion.
Set between 1997 and 2000, the film’s title comes from Kerr’s nickname after a tournament win. Johnson first met Kerr in the 1990s when he was a wrestler. He semi-retired from wrestling in 2004 to focus on Hollywood, becoming one of the industry’s most bankable stars. Johnson said he is now “very close” to Kerr, who he described as both a great fighter and a kind, empathetic person.
The Oscars race this year is highly competitive, with potential nominees including Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, George Clooney, Jesse Plemons, Timothée Chalamet, and Jeremy Allen White. While only a few will reach the Oscars, several may be recognized at the Golden Globes.
Reflecting on his career, Johnson said, “I’ve been fortunate to have the career I’ve had. But there was a voice inside asking, ‘What if I could do more?’ I started to ask myself if I was living my dream or someone else’s dream. You can either accept the status quo or decide to live your own dreams and explore what you’ve been avoiding.”
The Smashing Machine marks a turning point for Dwayne Johnson, proving his ability to step beyond action blockbusters and show a deeper, more complex side of his craft.
