Dwayne Johnson’s dramatic transformation in the upcoming UFC biopic The Smashing Machine has stunned fans and critics alike, sparking early Oscar chatter following the trailer’s release. The movie focuses on Mark Kerr’s life and career.
Dwayne Johnson’s Bold Leap Into MMA Drama Impresses Fans
Taking on the real-life role of Mark Kerr, a former UFC heavyweight tournament champion and PRIDE veteran, Dwayne Johnson shed his typical action-hero persona to portray a man battling personal demons outside the cage.
The A24 production, set to hit theaters on October 3, follows Kerr’s struggles with substance abuse and his complicated relationship with his partner, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt.
The response to the trailer has been overwhelmingly positive, with Johnson’s physical transformation drawing particular praise. Donning a prosthetic nose, aged skin, and a full head of hair, Johnson appears almost unrecognizable.
Fans quickly took to social media, flooding comment sections with support and calls for awards recognition.
“Whoever did the prosthetics and makeup for this movie is getting an Oscar. I hear the Rock kind of, but I don’t see him at all,” a fan said.
“THE ROCK FOR OSCAR,” another exclaimed, while a third noted, “Time to take The Rock seriously.” Many echoed the sentiment that Johnson, often pigeonholed into blockbuster action roles, may finally receive critical acclaim for a performance rooted in vulnerability and realism.
“Omg can’t wait, finally a movie like this for The Rock — can’t wait to see the performance.”
The poster reveal of the movie also drew similar reactions from the fans.
A24’s reputation for character-driven dramas has only heightened the anticipation, with “The Smashing Machine” being viewed as Johnson’s most ambitious acting challenge yet. Given the film’s addiction, redemption, identity themes, and the impressive pairing of Johnson and Blunt, expectations are now sky-high heading into awards season.
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Dwayne Johnson Set to Star in a Martin Scorsese Film with Leonardo DiCaprio
While “The Smashing Machine” draws the headlines, Johnson is already lining up another powerhouse project. Disney’s 20th Century Studios is producing a Hawaii-based crime saga directed by Martin Scorsese. The film will star Johnson alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt.
The story will focus on a ruthless mob boss in 1960s–70s Hawaii who builds a criminal empire while attempting to protect his ancestral homeland.
According to a report by The Variety, the screenplay will be penned by journalist and author Nick Bilton, who is also co-authoring the original book with Johnson. The film is being billed as “the last great American mob saga,” set against the tropical backdrop of Hawaii’s cultural and political unrest.
Behind the camera, the project brings together an elite group of producers. Scorsese represents Sikelia Productions, while Johnson, Blunt, DiCaprio, and Bilton contribute through their banners. The film marks a major creative collaboration under Disney’s recent first-look deal with Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions.
Following years of commercial success, Johnson appears poised to redefine his career trajectory through complex, layered roles. With “The Smashing Machine” already building Oscar buzz and a Scorsese-led mob epic in the pipeline, 2025 could be the year the Hollywood industry finally embraces Johnson as more than just box-office muscle.