Dwayne Johnson’s Dramatic Turn in “The Smashing Machine” Premieres at Venice Film Festival

Venice, Italy - On Monday, September 1, 2025, A24’s highly anticipated biographical drama “The Smashing Machine” premiered at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, marking a striking departure for Dwayne Johnson from his trademark blockbuster roles into serious dramatic territory.

Lead Dwayne Johnson, known to many as a Hollywood action star, steps into the shoes of former UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s gritty sports biopic, generating immediate Oscar buzz for his transformative performance.

Premiere Highlights The film, directed and written by Benny Safdie, debuted out of competition to enthusiastic reception. Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera remarked that Johnson’s portrayal is “absolutely amazing” and predicted potential nominations alongside co-star Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s spouse, Dawn Staples.

Plot and Performance “The Smashing Machine” chronicles Kerr’s meteoric rise in mixed martial arts during the late 1990s, his struggles with opioid addiction, and the toll his relentless pursuit of victory takes on his personal relationships. Johnson underwent extensive physical transformation and makeup work-sometimes four hours daily-to embody Kerr’s lean, intense fighting physique and inner turmoil. His performance has been hailed as a revelation, capturing both the athlete’s ferocity in the ring and his vulnerability outside it.

Industry Reaction and Awards Buzz While formal reviews are pending, early reactions position Johnson as a strong contender in next year’s award season. Comparisons have been drawn to past Venice premieres that launched Oscar campaigns, including Brendan Fraser in The Whale and Adrien Brody in The Pianist.

Release Information A24 plans a wide theatrical release of “The Smashing Machine” on October 3, 2025, confident that the film will resonate with both critics and audiences seeking a raw, authentic portrayal of one of MMA’s most compelling figures.

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