In a hotel room in Beverly Hills, Dwayne Johnson took time to reflect on his transformation into Mark Kerr for his new film, “The Smashing Machine.” After a private screening, Kerr’s son called him, expressing how closely Johnson embodied his father. “Dad, he walks like you. He talks like you,” the boy said, even adding, “He’s got your heart.” This heartfelt feedback brought Kerr to tears, illustrating how deeply Johnson connected with the role.
Becoming Mark Kerr, a well-known MMA fighter and former collegiate wrestling champion, required intense dedication from Johnson. He gained around 30 pounds and underwent a rigorous training process. This included long hours spent in makeup—up to four hours a day—with the help of Academy Award-winning artist Kazu Hiro, who used 21 prosthetics to enhance Johnson’s physical transformation.
Johnson described this role as his most challenging yet. “I’ve never worked harder,” he admitted, underscoring the effort it took to get into character. The film tells a story similar to a 2002 documentary about Kerr, but with a fresh perspective. Director Benny Safdie sought to create a tribute that resonates with both the earlier documentary and the emotions surrounding Kerr’s life.
Interestingly, both Johnson and Kerr faced a difficult period in the late ’90s marked by the tragic deaths of many in the wrestling and MMA communities. Johnson wanted to honor friends lost to addiction, making this role more than just work—it became personal.
Training began several months before filming, immediately after Johnson’s rigorous preparation for WrestleMania 40. His days were packed with cardio, weightlifting, and MMA practice. He embraced moments in the cage, which contributed to the film’s authenticity, particularly during fight scenes. At one point, he even took a real punch from a fellow fighter, showcasing a commitment to realism rarely seen in Hollywood.
Moreover, the film dives into more than just the sport. It explores Kerr’s personal struggles, including arguments with his ex-wife, played by Emily Blunt. These scenes were particularly challenging for Johnson, who tapped into his childhood memories to bring raw emotion to his performance. “I wanted to make it real,” he explained, drawing on his experiences.
Johnsons’ portrayal aims to capture not just the physicality but the deep emotional layers of Kerr’s life. As Kerr shared his son’s reaction to the film, he remarked, “If anybody on the planet can validate [Dwayne’s] performance, it would be my son.” Johnson’s journey into this role has proven not only transformative for him but also deeply moving for those connected to Kerr.
This dedication and focus are reflected in recent Hollywood trends where actors push boundaries for authenticity in their performances. From physical transformations to deep psychological engagements with their characters, today’s leading stars often seek profound connections to truly bring their roles to life.
For more insights into the evolution of actors’ preparation for roles, check out the American Film Institute’s research on acting techniques here.
