Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has taken a bold turn in his career by landing the lead role in the highly anticipated biographical drama, “The Smashing Machine,” where he portrays the renowned fighter, Mark Kerr. This exciting project, directed by Benny Safdie, showcases Johnson’s versatility as an actor. In a recent interview with Variety, Johnson expressed his newfound desire to explore more dramatic films while continuing to excel in the genres he is most known for.
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“At this stage of my professional journey, I have a strong desire to challenge myself in ways that I haven’t before. I yearn to create films that have a significant impact, delving into the depths of human experiences and exploring themes of struggle and pain,” he expressed.
In The Smashing Machine, Johnson takes on the role of Mark Kerr, a renowned figure in the world of extreme fighting, recognized for his intense fights in mixed martial arts and his personal battles with drug addiction.
Johпsoп revealed that he was particularly drawn to the movie because Safdie’s intention was to portray a narrative that was “raw and genuine,” featuring “authentic and occasionally uncomfortable and captivating” characters. It should not be expected for Johпsoп to abandon his usual preference for expansive, high-budget, action-packed adventure movies. However, with The Smashiпg Machiпe, Johпsoп is venturing into uncharted territory, attempting something new.
“I want to clarify that this is not an abandonment of big, blockbuster movies. I genuinely enjoy making them, and I recognize their significant value and importance,” he explained. “However, there comes a time and place for them. In my current stage of career, I yearn for something more. And by that, I don’t merely mean achieving greater box office success. I crave a deeper sense of humanity in my work. This is precisely why I believe Benny Safdie is the ideal, collaborative, and ambitious partner for me.”
Back in 2002, HBO decided to create a documentary featuring Mark Kerr entitled The Smashing Machine. However, the Safdie film takes a more dramatic approach to portraying the fighter’s life.
Aside from The Smashing Machine, Johnson also has other upcoming movies in his pipeline. These include the Christmas-themed film Red One, in which he stars alongside Chris Evans, the highly anticipated sequel Jingle Cruise 2, and several more additions to the exhilarating Fast & Furious franchise.
