Dwayne Johnson recently discussed his transformative role in the film “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie. This A24 production showcases Johnson as Mark Kerr, an early Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter whose life faced significant challenges.
Dwayne Johnson: Chasing Challenge Over Box Office Success
In a recent appearance on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast at Chapman University, Johnson emphasized his commitment to meaningful storytelling rather than merely chasing box office success. The former wrestler turned blockbuster star is renowned for his bankability, consistently ranking among the highest-grossing actors globally.
Box Office Stats and Expectations
- Johnson is the top-grossing actor in the world, recognized by Forbes in several years including 2013 and 2024.
- He has starred in 40 films, achieving nearly $14 billion worldwide at the box office.
- His recent releases, “Moana 2” and “Red One,” simultaneously opened at number one, a feat not accomplished by any actor in 27 years.
Despite the pressure to deliver blockbuster hits, Johnson’s recent film “The Smashing Machine” broke this mold. The film has garnered critical acclaim, with The New York Times describing his performance as “the magnetic center of the film.”
Commercial and Critical Reception
However, the film, which had a budget of approximately $50 million, struggled at the box office, grossing only $20 million in its first month. This raises questions about how the Academy will assess the film. Will they reward Johnson’s deeper exploration of character or penalize its financial performance?
Emotional Transformation and Personal Connection
Johnson stated, “The Smashing Machine completely changed my life in ways that I didn’t anticipate.” This role allowed him to embrace emotional depth previously unexpressed in his acting career, addressing personal demons and vulnerability in a poignant way. He shed 32 pounds of muscle and adapted his physicality and voice to authentically portray Mark Kerr.
Challenges of Portraying Mark Kerr
Johnson committed to an intense preparation regimen that included a 12-week training camp to embody the physicality of an MMA fighter. He noted that the film required authenticity during fight sequences, with no cutaways from the action. Johnson also revealed that the emotional journey of portraying Kerr revealed profound truths about pressure and its effect on individuals.
The Future of Dwayne Johnson’s Career
In light of his experiences with “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson expressed his desire to take on more challenging roles in the future. He mentioned ongoing projects with acclaimed directors Martin Scorsese and Darren Aronofsky, indicating his readiness to continue exploring complex characters.
As Johnson continues to navigate Hollywood, he highlighted the importance of listening to one’s inner voice, suggesting that such intuition has been pivotal in shaping both his career and personal growth.
