The first look at Dwayne Johnson in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine has got fans feeling hopeful that The Rock will finally get his shot at starring in a critically acclaimed film and even winning an award for it.
The actor looks almost unrecognizable after he was transformed into the legendary MMA fighter, Mark Kerr. Johnson also addressed his temporary shift to more serious projects in his career.
Dwayne Johnson On Working With Benny Safdie In The Smashing Machine
During an interview with Variety, wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson clarified that he is not abandoning blockbuster movies just because he accepted a smaller project.
I want to be clear not to say that this is an abandonment of big, four-quadrant movies. I love making them, and there is tremendous value and importance in [them]. But there’s a time and a place for them.
The Jungle Cruise star admitted that he wanted to do more in his career, specifically movies with “more humanity.” This is the reason why he chose to collaborate with director Benny Safdie. He called him the “perfect, collaborative, hungry” partner.
Johnson praised Safdie for his works and remarked that the director wants to push the envelope when it comes to creating raw and real stories with authentic characters. Sometimes, these narratives are “uncomfortable and arresting.”
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. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity and explore struggle [and] pain.
A24 will be producing the project, and it has been described as “a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career.” Kerr struggled with addiction and also faced problems involving love and friendship, which Johnson will have to translate on the screen soon.
Netizens Are Impressed By Dwayne Johnson’s Transformation
The Smashing Machine will be Dwayne Johnson’s first foray into the A24 world of filmmaking, and it also marks Benny Safdie’s first solo directorial effort. Knowing that this is both their first time working together, fans are quite hyped and many are anticipating the film. Noah Sacco of A24 previously said via Empire:
Dwayne and Benny are singular talents, and their shared vision for Mark’s inspiring story is electrifying. We are deeply honored to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life.
Netizens expressed their delight seeing The Rock finally getting a serious project after years of dominating blockbuster films. Check out their tweets below:
About time he stopped with cookie cutter action films and took the Matt McConaughey route to Oscar/Award success.
— S Gary Sangha 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 🟧 (@sgarysangha) May 21, 2024
he looks unrecognizable. this might mean he's going to go all out show his acting chops.
— Eddie (@OHMYDIAZ) May 21, 2024
Same director of uncut gems who pulled adam sandlers best performance period. Lets see what he can do for the rock.
— Ｎｉｃｋｏｒｙ (@aerofloyd7199) May 21, 2024
There’s a chance that we got to see Rocky actually acting good, can’t wait
— fra’ (@prospettivanvsk) May 21, 2024
Dammmm literally unrecognizable 🤯
Dwayne finally gonna act 🥵🤌
— FILMYTORCH (@filmytorch) May 21, 2024
This different type of movie from The Rock is expected to stand out among his long roster of films over the years. Hopefully, the actor finally gets the acting recognition he deserves, and who knows? He might bag a nomination and a win for his role.
The Smashing Machine is currently filming in Vancouver and is slated for a 2025 release.
