Hollywood superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson received an overwhelming response at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, where his latest movie The Smashing Machine premiered to a 15-minute standing ovation.
The emotional moment nearly brought the actor to tears, as captured in a viral video now making rounds on social media.
Johnson was joined on the red carpet and at the screening by the film’s writer-director Benny Safdie, along with producers Hiram Garcia and David Koplan, and co-star Emily Blunt. Legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr, whom Johnson portrays in the film, was also present at the premiere, adding to the significance of the occasion.
Audience members erupted in applause as the credits rolled, with Johnson visibly holding back tears. Director Safdie was also seen wiping his face, moved by the heartfelt reception.
Following the premiere, Johnson attended a press conference to reflect on his journey with the film. He shared how deeply personal the project was for him, saying:
“I looked around a few years ago and I started to think, am I living my dream or am I living other people’s dreams? I’ve been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now, until I had this opportunity.”
The actor, who recently returned to voice acting in Disney’s upcoming Moana 2, explained that while he enjoyed making fun, blockbuster-style films, he always felt a deeper artistic calling.
“Some movies did really well, and some not so much,” Johnson admitted. “But I realized I had this burning desire, and a voice in my head that said, ‘What if there is more?’”
The Smashing Machine tells the story of Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, exploring his life inside and outside the ring. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film promises to showcase a grittier, more vulnerable side of Johnson as an actor.
The much-anticipated biographical drama is set to release in the United States on October 3, 2025.