Dwayne Johnson opens up about dramatic role in The Smashing Machine

Dwayne Johnson, best known worldwide as “The Rock,” is stepping into one of the most ambitious roles of his career with The Smashing Machine.

In an interview with CBS News’ Sunday Morning, the actor opened up about portraying real-life MMA champion Mark Kerr, a two-time world titleholder who battled addiction and depression.

The role required Johnson to undergo three hours of daily makeup and prosthetics, marking one of his most transformative performances. “For years, I’ve been dreaming and hoping,” Johnson said. “I wanted to play something that really allowed me to rip myself open.”

Directed by Benny Safdie, the film also stars Emily Blunt as Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples. Johnson admitted he was nervous about taking on the raw, emotionally heavy role but leaned into past hardships for inspiration, recalling his family’s eviction at age 15. “That feeling of despair—I went right back to it,” he said.

The actor reflected on his shift from prioritizing box office success to pursuing deeper creative fulfillment. “I was chasing something for a lot of years, but I wasn’t being fulfilled,” he explained.

Away from Hollywood, Johnson finds peace at his Virginia farm, where he spends quiet time with his family. Though he avoids Oscar talk, the film has already drawn attention since its Venice Film Festival debut.

With The Smashing Machine opening in theaters October 3, Johnson says this role marks “a whole new book” in his career. Despite his action-star legacy, he’s embracing more vulnerable storytelling while continuing work on other projects, including another Moana film.