Is Dwayne Johnson an Oscar Contender? ‘The Smashing Machine’ Generates Excitement at Venice Film Festival!

Dwayne Johnson is stepping into serious roles with his portrayal of UFC fighter Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine.” The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and Johnson shared his excitement about this new challenge. “I’ve always wanted to transform myself as an actor,” he said. Known for his action and comedy films, Johnson feels this role might change the way audiences see him.

The buzz around this film has begun to raise Oscar hopes for Johnson. The Venice Film Festival has previously launched several winners for Best Actor, including Brendan Fraser’s role in “The Whale.” “The Smashing Machine,” produced by A24, aligns with this history of critical acclaim.

Johnson spoke openly about the pressure of box office expectations. “Hollywood can put you in a box,” he explained, describing how easy it is to get typecast. He’s grateful for the fun experiences his past films have brought, yet he felt a deeper calling to explore his range as an actor. With encouragement from his friend and co-star Emily Blunt, Johnson realized it was time to dive into his past and present experiences to enrich his work.

“I felt I had something more to give,” he said, noting how important it was to push past fears about being pigeonholed. He also highlighted the role of support from friends in helping him take these creative leaps.

Johnson was joined in Venice by Blunt, director Benny Safdie, and even Mark Kerr himself, who dealt with personal challenges like addiction and health issues while being a two-time UFC champion. The storyline reflects a tumultuous time in Kerr’s life from 1997 to 2000, showcasing both his struggles and triumphs.

Emily Blunt emphasized the complexity of relationships in the film, stating it captures real human emotions and transformations. “We wanted to show the full spectrum of what a relationship looks like,” she stated. Her insights highlight how relationships can evolve quickly, something that resonates deeply in the film.

The filmmaking process involved intense preparation. Johnson underwent significant physical changes, working with acclaimed makeup artist Kazu Hiro, who previously helped transform big-name actors into historical figures. This meticulous approach added depth to Johnson’s performance. As Venice’s artistic director, Alberto Barbera noted, both Johnson and Blunt have the potential for Oscar nominations thanks to their compelling performances.

Director Benny Safdie expressed admiration for Kerr too. “Shining a light on him allows us to learn from his experiences,” he said, blending the worlds of film and human stories.

The film is part of a competitive lineup at the festival, with awards to be announced shortly. “The Smashing Machine” is set to hit North American theaters on October 3, 2025.

For deeper insights into the festival, you can visit AP News on Venice Film Festival. This resource can help you keep up with trends and updates in the film industry.

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Brendan Fraser, Dwayne Johnson, Adrien Brody, Emily Blunt, Benny Safdie, Movies, Gary Oldman, Mark Kerr, Alberto Barbera, Bradley Cooper, Fairs and festivals, General news, Venice Film Festival, World news, Kazu Hiro, Sports, Arts and entertainment, U.S. news, Dawn Staples, U.S. News, World News