Dwayne Johnson Calls ‘The Smashing Machine’ a Profound Career Turning Point

Dwayne Johnson reveals a major shift in his acting career. He says his new film, The Smashing Machine, was a life-changing project. The movie is a biographical drama about MMA fighter Mark Kerr.

Johnson explained this during a recent podcast appearance. He described the role as a deep personal challenge. This marks a deliberate move away from his typical blockbuster fare.

Embracing a New Acting Challenge

Johnson stated the film completely changed his life. He called it a representation of listening to his gut instinct. The role required him to transform and disappear into a character.

He did not think about box office performance for the first time. This project was about artistic challenge. He made the film to rip himself open emotionally.

The actor reflected on his past. He had previously rejected exploring his difficult childhood in his work. This film gave him a place to channel those personal experiences.

A Deliberate Pivot in a Blockbuster Career

This role signifies a conscious pivot for Johnson. He has built a career on family-friendly adventures like Jumanji and Moana. The Smashing Machine represents a stark contrast to those films.

He acknowledges the importance of his fun, high-grossing movies. However, this new path fulfills a long-held desire. He wanted to challenge himself with a raw, dramatic performance.

The impact is both professional and deeply personal. It allowed him to use his craft to process real-life trauma. This includes his mother’s suicide attempt, which he publicly discussed.

This new direction solidifies Dwayne Johnson’s evolution as a performer. The Smashing Machine is his most personal project to date. It proves his range extends far beyond action-hero roles.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is ‘The Smashing Machine’ about?

The film is a biographical drama about the life of Mark Kerr. He is a real-life legendary MMA fighter. The story explores his career and personal struggles.

Who does Dwayne Johnson play in the film?

Johnson portrays the lead character, Mark Kerr. This required a significant physical and emotional transformation. He immersed himself in the role of the troubled fighter.

Why is this role so different for Johnson?

It is a raw, dramatic departure from his family-friendly blockbusters. He focused on artistic challenge over commercial success. The role let him explore deeper emotional material.

How did the film change his life?

It provided a creative outlet for his past personal traumas. Johnson called it a profound turning point. It changed his approach to acting and storytelling.

Did Johnson perform his own stunts?

While specific details are under wraps, Johnson is known for doing many of his own stunts. His physical commitment to the role of an athlete was extensive. Training was rigorous to authentically portray a fighter.

Trusted Sources

The Hollywood Reporter