Thescreescore – Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan has heaped praise upon Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson’s performance in the upcoming A24 film, The Smashing Machine, calling it "heartbreaking" and suggesting it could be the best performance of the year. The biopic, directed by Benny Safdie, chronicles the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, delving into his career triumphs and personal demons, including struggles with substance abuse and his relationship with Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt).
Nolan’s comments came during a Q&A session at the DGA theater in Los Angeles, where he and Safdie discussed the film’s development. According to Nolan, Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr is nothing short of extraordinary. "It’s heartbreaking. I think it’s an incredible performance. I don’t think you’ll see a better performance this year," Nolan stated.
The Smashing Machine marks a significant departure for Johnson, who is typically known for his action-oriented roles in franchises like Fast & Furious and Jumanji. This film offers him a chance to showcase his dramatic range, and early buzz suggests he has risen to the occasion, undergoing a physical transformation to embody Kerr. Trailers for the film have highlighted Johnson’s dedication to the role, further fueling Oscar speculation.
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Despite the positive reviews, with a score of 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s box office performance has been lackluster. The Smashing Machine opened with a disappointing $5.9 million domestically, the lowest opening for a Johnson film. To date, the film has grossed just over $13 million against a reported $50 million budget.
Undeterred by the film’s commercial performance, Johnson is committed to exploring more dramatic roles. He has expressed a desire to challenge himself as an actor, moving away from his established action persona. This commitment is evident in his recent physical transformation for Lizard Music, an upcoming film that will reunite him with Safdie.
Johnson will also be reuniting with Blunt in an untitled mob movie produced by Martin Scorsese. The film, which also stars Leonardo DiCaprio, is described as a "Goodfellas-styled" story set in Hawaii during the 1960s and 1970s. Blunt has called the film "the last great American mob story" and praised Johnson’s "terribly exciting role." The Smashing Machine is scheduled for release on October 3, 2025, and runs for 123 minutes. It is produced by Beau Flynn, David Koplan, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia.
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