Dwayne Johnson Stuns Critics with Career-Defining Role in ‘The Smashing Machine’
Dwayne Johnson is receiving widespread praise for his role in The Smashing Machine, a new biographical sports drama directed by Benny Safdie.
The film tells the story of UFC legend Mark Kerr, known as “The Smashing Machine,” and stars Emily Blunt as his wife, Dawn Staples. Known mostly for action-packed blockbuster films, Johnson takes on a dramatic and emotional role that critics say could mark a turning point in his career.
The movie follows Kerr’s rise in the UFC and Pride Fighting Championships while also showing his personal struggles with addiction and emotional pain. Johnson worked hard to portray the physicality and vulnerability of the two-time UFC Heavyweight champion.
The supporting cast includes Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin, and Oleksandr Usyk, along with other fighters brought to life by actors such as James Moontasri and Satoshi Ishii.
Excited to share the official trailer for Benny Safdie’s THE SMASHING MACHINE, starring Dwayne Johnson and Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt. In theaters October 3rd. pic.twitter.com/PPoF9r0uYR
— WWE (@WWE) April 29, 2025
Critics at Venice, where the film premiered in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, have praised Johnson for his performance. “The Smashing Machine may not provide the pay-offs that audiences expect from more conventional sports movies, but this is the most raw and vulnerable that Johnson has ever been on screen,” wrote The Independent.
The Daily Telegraph highlighted the film’s unique style, saying “Maceo Bishop’s nimble photography has the sweat and grit of a vintage muscle flick… yet the score by Nala Sinephro is all swirling harps and breathy saxophones. As an accompaniment to Kerr’s battles, it’s oddly perfect.”
Variety also praised Johnson, noting that he seems like a different actor entirely. “Johnson invests that silent, moody, hidden side of Mark with a quality of mystery. He gives an extraordinary performance… The movie is about how this man-machine becomes a human being.”
The Hollywood Reporter compared Johnson’s work to Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler: “He manages to go deep here without overdoing it, killing the audience with kindness as a benign warrior who suffers from one scene to the next… he delivers an intoxicating mix of blood, sweat, tears, protein and total helplessness.”
The film will be released in the United States by A24 on October 3, 2025. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, it has an 89% rating based on 18 reviews, reflecting strong critical approval.
Dwayne Johnson has proven he is capable of much more than blockbuster action roles. His performance in The Smashing Machine shows emotional depth and range that fans and critics have long wanted to see. This could mark the start of a new era in his acting career. Do you think Johnson can become a major dramatic actor? Share your thoughts in the comments.