Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, known for his blockbuster action films, is stepping into new territory with his role as UFC fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. At 53, Johnson revealed he had long felt pigeon-holed by Hollywood’s box office expectations and was eager to take on a project that allowed him to explore a deeper, more intense side of acting.
Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, Johnson described the experience as life-changing, highlighting his “burning desire” to tackle raw and emotional material. He admitted to feeling scared to go deep and intense until this opportunity came along, signaling a bold career shift from his usual blockbuster fare.
Johnson opened up about the pressures of Hollywood’s demand for blockbuster hits, explaining how it can limit actors to specific “lanes” or categories. With The Smashing Machine, he is breaking those boundaries, aiming for artistic recognition and possibly his first Oscar nomination, proving there’s more to the star than just big-box office draws.