Dwayne Johnson, yes, ‘The Rock,’ getting Oscar buzz for ‘The Smashing Machine’

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wayne Johnson attends "The Smashing Machine" red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 01, 2025 in Venice, Italy.  (Photo by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images.)

Dwayne Johnson is stepping outside his usual blockbuster lane for a dramatic new role as UFC fighter Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine." The film had its world premiere Monday at the Venice Film Festival, drawing strong early reactions and Oscar speculation.

Johnson, long associated with action and comedy films, said before the premiere that he had been searching for a project that would push him further as an actor.

"I have for a long time wanted this," Johnson said. "The transformation part was something I was really hungry to do."

Why Dwayne Johnson wanted the role

The actor said the decision was not about proving anything to Hollywood but proving something to himself. Johnson credited his co-star Emily Blunt, along with director Benny Safdie, with encouraging him to take the leap.

"When you’ve been pigeonholed into something it’s hard to know, wait, can I do that?" Johnson said. "Sometimes it takes people you know and love, like Emily and Benny, to say you can."

Johnson has previously led franchises like "Fast & Furious" and "Jumanji" and built a career that began in wrestling. He said portraying Kerr felt like a full-circle moment, since he met the fighter in the late 1990s and admired him at the time.

Who is Mark Kerr, the fighter in 'The Smashing Machine'

The backstory:

Mark Kerr, nicknamed "The Smashing Machine," was a dominant force in mixed martial arts in the late 1990s and a two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion. His personal life was turbulent, and he struggled with opioid addiction, overdosing twice before retiring from fighting in 2009.

"The Smashing Machine" depicts Kerr’s life between 1997 and 2000, including his volatile relationship with Dawn Staples, played by Blunt.

Blunt said she was drawn to the opportunity to portray a relationship in its rawest form. "This felt like the full spectrum of what a relationship really looks like," she said.

What they're saying:

Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera said last week he wouldn’t be surprised if both Johnson and Blunt land Oscar nominations. He praised Johnson as "absolutely amazing" in the role.

Blunt said it was "extraordinary" to watch Johnson disappear into the role with the help of prosthetics designed by Kazu Hiro, the artist behind transformations for Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill and Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein.

Safdie, who directed and wrote the film, said Kerr’s story resonated deeply. "It’s such a beautiful thing to shine a light on him and learn from his experiences," Safdie said.

Timeline:

The film marks a major moment for Johnson and Kerr alike, tracing the fighter’s tumultuous late 1990s while also representing a turning point in Johnson’s career. Here are some of the key milestones that led up to the film’s premiere and release:

• Late 1990s: Johnson first meets Mark Kerr during his wrestling career.
• 1997–2000: Timeframe depicted in "The Smashing Machine," covering Kerr’s rise and personal struggles.
• Sept. 1, 2025: The film premieres at the Venice Film Festival in competition.
• Sept. 6, 2025: Venice Film Festival awards will be announced.
• Oct. 3, 2025: The film opens in North American theaters.