Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY

Dwayne Johnson’s Portrayal Of Mark Kerr Receives Rave Reviews

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 9:06 AM ET

Insiders have raved about Dwayne Johnson’s role in the new film ‘The Smashing Machine.’

In his new film, directed by Benny Safdie, Johnson undergoes change to portray UFC fighter Mark Kerr. The two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion’s career was marred by a battle with substance abuse, giving Johnson a new challenge. Emily Blunt portrays Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples. Johnson endured a grueling four-hour daily makeup process, where 13 to 14 prosthetic pieces were applied to his face and body to prepare for himself. The film has been met with critical acclaim, with many praising Johnson’s performance. Some are already saying that Johnson could get an Oscar nomination.

“What [Kerr is] carrying around deep inside him — the thing that makes him a smashing machine — is a rage he scarcely knows what to do with. And that’s where Dwayne Johnson’s revelatory performance begins,” Owen Gleiberman, Variety

“You could give a couple of acting awards to the Rock’s shoulder blades and rhomboids and I’m not sure anyone would complain. He’s by far the best thing in the movie,” Bilge Ebiri, Vulture

Dwayne Johnson cries during the 15-minute standing ovation for his new movie ‘THE SMASHING MACHINE’

Read our review: https://t.co/ejtQIs1Usz pic.twitter.com/17pQYebeat
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 1, 2025

“I’ve been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now, until I had this opportunity to do this. I have wanted this for a long time. “When you’re in Hollywood, as we all know, it had become about box office and you chase the box office. And the box office in our business is very loud, it can be very [overwhelming]. It can push you into a corner and category – ‘This is your lane, this is what you do, and this is what people want you to be and this is what Hollywood wants you to be,” Johnson said

Implications

The reaction from the Venice Film Festival is overwhelmingly positive for Johnson. The film received a 15-minute standing ovation, a rare and significant honor that left Johnson visibly emotional. Venice’s artistic director, Alberto Barbera, has publicly stated that he “wouldn’t be surprised” to see Johnson’s name among the Oscar nominees. That would be a major milestone in Johnson’s career, showing a shift from his typical movie roles.

Johnson’s transformation for the role of Mark Kerr is a powerful testament to his dedication. He underwent a dramatic physical change, reportedly shedding nearly 60 pounds to embody the leaner physique of a fighter. The narrative surrounding the film positions it as a career pivot for Johnson. For years, he has been “pigeon-holed” into making family-friendly blockbusters and action movies. The Smashing Machine is his answer to that.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: