Dwayne Johnson is stepping out of his blockbuster comfort zone, embracing a challenging new chapter in his acting career.
The wrestler-turned-actor recently revealed why he chose to portray UFC champion Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s highly anticipated wrestling biopic, The Smashing Machine.
Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, Dwayne shared that the decision was deeply personal and stemmed from a desire to push beyond the limits of box office-driven roles. “For a long time, I wanted this kind of transformation,” he said. “In Hollywood, it often becomes about box office numbers. The noise of success can be loud and can push you into a corner, defining the roles you’re expected to play.”
He credited director Benny Safdie and co-star Emily Blunt — who plays Mark Kerr’s girlfriend, Dawn Staples — for encouraging him to take on a role that digs deeper into human emotion and vulnerability.
“This film was a chance to go beyond what I’m known for,” Dwayne explained. “I love making box office movies — some did great, others not as much — but inside, I had a burning desire to see if there was more to explore as an actor.”
The Black Adam star reflected on the risks of being typecast, noting, “Sometimes you need people you trust, like Emily and Benny, to remind you that you can take bigger leaps.”
Dwayne became emotional when discussing Kerr’s real-life struggles, which he aims to portray with authenticity and respect. He described the experience as one of the most meaningful of his career.
The Smashing Machine is scheduled to hit theaters on October 3, promising to showcase Dwayne Johnson like never before.