Dwayne Johnson's shocking confession on filming 'The Smashing Machine'

Dwayne Johnson recently opened up about being scared to shoot the vulnerable role in The Smashing Machine, instead of playing his usual ‘gritty and raw’ characters.

In conversation with Variety, the 53-year-old actor revealed that he never gets the opportunity to play emotional and unguarded characters.

He said, “It was very real. I had not experienced that in a very, very, very long time, where I was really scared and thinking, I don’t know if I can do this.”

The Moana lead further explained, “I just sat in front of that mirror for three to four hours and watched it all change.”

In order to play the legendary MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter, Mark Kerr, The Rock was fitted with different prosthetics every day.

However, netizens seem to think he is the perfect actor to do justice to Mark’s biopic. One fan wrote, “I think Johnson is more willing to take some risks and try serious acting.” Another follower commented, “Would be cool.”

Directed and written by Benny Safdie, the movie’s cast also includes Emily Blunt, Rayan Badar and Bas Rutten.

The Smashing Machine will premiere in theatres on October 3, 2025.

Is 'The Smashing Machine' based on a true story?

Yes, The Smashing Machine is based on a true story; it is a biopic of MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The synopsis will show Mark’s rise to glory and the personal hurdles he faced to get there. 

In 2023, A24 production house announced Dwayne would lead the film.

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