*Dwayne Johnson captivated audiences at the Venice Film Festival with his raw portrayal of real-life wrestler Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine.”
According to Variety, the Monday night premiere saw the 53-year-old actor overcome with emotion, sobbing as the crowd delivered a 15-minute standing ovation, one of the longest at the 82nd festival. Directed by Benny Safdie, the A24 film, set for November release, marks a bold departure from Johnson’s typical blockbuster roles.
Johnson, joined by co-star Emily Blunt as Kerr’s girlfriend Dawn Staples, shared tearful embraces with Safdie as the applause roared on. Even Kerr himself, present at the screening, wept as the credits rolled, amplifying the night’s emotional weight.
Johnson’s transformation into the two-time UFC Heavyweight champion required extensive prosthetics, rendering him nearly unrecognizable.
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“I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past,” Johnson told Variety, drawn to Safdie’s vision for “stories that are raw and real; characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting.”
The film’s raw portrayal of Kerr’s struggles and humanity has made it a festival standout, positioning Johnson as a strong Oscar contender.
Dwayne Johnson cries during the 15-minute standing ovation for his new movie ‘THE SMASHING MACHINE’
Read our review: https://t.co/ejtQIs1Usz pic.twitter.com/17pQYebeat
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 1, 2025
Kerr is a retired American wrestler and mixed martial artist who achieved significant success, including two UFC Heavyweight Tournament titles, a World Vale Tudo Championship, and competing in PRIDE FC. He also excelled in collegiate and freestyle wrestling, earning an NCAA Division I championship, World Cup medals, and a Pan American Games silver. In submission wrestling, Kerr secured four ADCC World Championships. The 2002 HBO documentary “The Smashing Machine” explored his MMA career, personal struggles with substance abuse, while Johnson’s film of the same name is slated for release on October 3, 2025.
“I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain,” Johnson said, signaling his intent to dive deeper into complex roles.
With its emotional premiere and critical buzz, “The Smashing Machine” is poised to carry Johnson into the awards conversation.
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