Dwayne Johnson’s Dramatic Venice Debut Sparks Oscar Buzz

Venice, Italy (September 1, 2025) - Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson took a decisive turn away from his blockbuster-action persona Monday, premiering The Smashing Machine in competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. In a striking transformation, Johnson portrays real-life UFC legend Mark Kerr, a fighter whose career and personal struggles are as brutal as the octagon itself.

Directed by Benny Safdie and distributed by A24, the biographical sports drama delves into Kerr’s rise to two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion, his battles with painkiller addiction, and the impact on his personal life. Festival director Alberto Barbera praised Johnson’s performance as “absolutely amazing,” suggesting it could very well earn the actor his first Best Actor nod at the Academy Awards next year.

Johnson’s physical metamorphosis for the role-complete with unconventional training regimens and intense character study-has drawn comparisons to past Venice standouts like Brendan Fraser in The Whale and Adrien Brody in The Pianist. Early reactions from critics and industry insiders indicate that The Smashing Machine may follow in their footsteps as a serious awards contender.

Following its Venice debut, The Smashing Machine is slated for a North American theatrical release on October 3, 2025, where audiences will witness Johnson’s most vulnerable and unvarnished performance to date.