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Dwayne Johnson Confronts Personal Struggles in Dramatic MMA Biopic 'The Smashing Machine'
25 Aug
Summary
- Dwayne Johnson takes on a rare dramatic role in the upcoming film 'The Smashing Machine'
- Johnson admits feeling nervous about exploring personal issues on camera for the first time
- The film reunites Johnson with his 'Jungle Cruise' co-star Emily Blunt

In a surprising move, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is set to showcase his dramatic acting chops in the upcoming film "The Smashing Machine". The 53-year-old actor, who is typically known for his action and comedy roles, recently opened up about the challenges he faced while filming the biopic.
According to Johnson, he first saw the 2002 documentary "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr" in the mid-2000s and later reached out to director Benny Safdie about collaborating on a narrative film adaptation. The movie, which also stars Johnson's "Jungle Cruise" co-star Emily Blunt, follows the life of former UFC fighter Mark Kerr.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Johnson confessed that he felt nervous about filming a dramatic role for the first time in a very long time, admitting that perhaps such roles had not been offered to him over the years "because I was too scared to explore this stuff." However, he found the experience to be both "scary" and "nourishing and freeing," as he had to tap into his own personal struggles and experiences.
The Smashing Machine is set to hit theaters on October 3rd, offering audiences a rare glimpse into Johnson's dramatic range as an actor. With the film's focus on the mental and physical toll of MMA fighting, it promises to be a powerful and compelling exploration of the human condition.