Dwayne Johnson is still grappling with the overwhelming response to his latest film, *The Smashing Machine*, which made its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. Directed by Benny Safdie, the movie chronicles the life of MMA legend Mark Kerr, delving not only into his illustrious career but also the internal struggles that raged within him.
On the season premiere of the *Variety Awards Circuit Podcast*, Johnson opened up about the central theme of his role. When asked about the essence of the story and its significance to him, he reflected, “Yes, that’s real life, I feel. That’s exactly what Benny set out to capture.”
“He aimed to create a film about human vulnerability and the rawness of reality. It’s far simpler and more alluring to chase after narratives like, ‘Hey, he’s fighting for the world championship. He wins it all—money, fame.’ But this story? This is set before UFC became the global phenomenon it is today. MMA was just in its infancy,” Johnson explained.
He went on to contemplate Kerr’s complex existence, describing him as “a walking contradiction: the most lethal force on the planet, yet also the sweetest, most tender, and kind-hearted soul.” Johnson emphasized that Safdie’s vision was to portray Kerr’s trials, even his darkest hours.
“He works his heart out for everything—and he loses. Not only does he lose... sorry to give a bit of a spoiler—but he loses everything. And he overdoses twice. The fact that he’s still alive is a testament to something greater. That speaks to Benny’s essence. He loses everything, but in the end, it’s alright. In the end, it prevails,” Johnson said.
The film’s premiere in Venice turned into an unforgettable, emotionally charged moment for Johnson and his team. As the screening concluded, the audience erupted into a 15-minute standing ovation. A visibly moved Johnson was seen embracing Safdie and his co-star Emily Blunt as the applause reverberated throughout the theater.
Sharing a clip of the reception on Instagram, Johnson admitted he was utterly overwhelmed by the experience. “I feel like dreams are something we can try to frame in our minds,” he wrote. “We conjure up images and scenarios, but this... this was far beyond anything I could have ever imagined, something my heart struggled to fully grasp. We were all profoundly touched to our very core.”
He concluded his heartfelt message with gratitude, thanking the festival and the audience on behalf of his cast and director for the unforgettable honor.
