Dwayne Johnson has recently opened up about the most daunting role of his illustrious career—portraying a legend in 'The Smashing Machine'. In this Benny Safdie-directed biopic, the wrestler-turned-Hollywood heavyweight tackles the role of Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and legendary MMA fighter. Speaking in a recent interview with Vanity Fair, the 53-year-old actor confessed his trepidation in embodying such an iconic figure.
"It was incredibly authentic. It had been eons since I'd felt such fear, doubting whether I possessed the prowess to pull this off. Could I really do justice to this character?" Johnson pondered.
He further revealed that his hesitation may have deterred such opportunities from knocking on his door. "I was petrified of diving into such uncharted territories," he admitted, expressing his yearning for a raw, gritty role that would push him to his limits. "And then, out of the blue, 'The Smashing Machine' presented itself," enthused the 'Red Notice' star.
Elsewhere in the interview, Johnson shared that one of the most arduous aspects of preparing for his role was the extensive use of prosthetics. "I'd spend three to four hours in front of the mirror, witnessing the transformation unfold before my eyes," recounted the 'Jungle Cruise' actor. He elaborated that he wore around "13 or 14 meticulously crafted prosthetics, each subtle yet profoundly impactful."
"By the time I stepped onto the set, I was Mark Kerr. I embodied him—his gait, his cadence, his worldview," Johnson concluded, hinting at his immersive performance in the upcoming 'Moana 2'.
Meanwhile, 'The Smashing Machine', which also stars Emily Blunt, is gearing up for a nationwide theatrical release on October 3, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.
