Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Breaks Down After 15-Minute Ovation For The Smashing Machine At Venice Film Festival, Says ‘This Role Changed My Life’
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has always been larger than life – both literally and metaphorically. But in a stunning turn of events, the Hollywood megastar has shed more than just muscle mass for his latest role – he’s shed a persona, broken boundaries, and stepped into the most vulnerable performance of his career.
In The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, Johnson portrays Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter whose life was a whirlwind of UFC glory, personal demons, and a harrowing battle with addiction. And critics are calling it his most powerful work yet.
A Standing Ovation, and a Tearful Rock
When The Smashing Machine premiered at the Venice Film Festival, the response was nothing short of electric. The audience rose to their feet, delivering a 15-minute standing ovation that left even the typically composed Johnson visibly emotional.
Standing beside his co-star Emily Blunt, Johnson was seen smiling through tears, mouthing “thank you,” and wiping his eyes as the applause echoed through the theatre.
“This Role Changed My Life”
For Johnson, this wasn’t just another character. This was personal.
“I’ve been scared to go deep and intense and raw – until now,” he admitted during the press conference. “Until I had this opportunity to do this.”
Shedding his action-hero armor, Johnson embraced a character grappling with deep, uncomfortable truths – addiction, identity, trauma. He didn’t just want the role; he needed it.
“I’ve wanted this for a long time. When you’re in Hollywood, it becomes about the box office. And the box office can be very loud,” he explained.
With a laugh, he acknowledged his blockbuster past – films like Jumanji, Moana, Central Intelligence, and Jungle Cruise – that entertained millions but rarely demanded vulnerability.
“I liked them. Some were really good and did well. Some… not so good!” he joked.
But The Smashing Machine offered something different: a chance to step outside the box office race and explore deeper storytelling.
Pushed by Passion, Not Profits
Johnson opened up about how Hollywood often tries to define its stars – pigeon-holing them into what sells, rather than what speaks to the soul.
“This is your lane. This is what Hollywood wants you to be,” he said, mimicking the expectations placed on him over the years.
But behind the scenes, something inside was stirring.
“I just had this burning desire… this voice saying: ‘What if there’s more? What if I can?’”
The transformation wasn’t just physical – though Johnson did lose around 60 pounds to portray Kerr accurately – it was emotional, creative, and deeply personal.
A New Chapter for The Rock
This moment in Johnson’s career feels like a turning point. While the world knows him as the invincible, charming titan of action and comedy, The Smashing Machine introduces audiences to Dwayne Johnson, the dramatic actor.
It’s a brave move especially at this stage in his career but one that’s been met with critical acclaim and fan admiration. Many are calling this his Oscar-worthy moment, praising his rawness and emotional depth.
The Rock has never been one to shy away from challenges. But this one? This was different.
“Sometimes it takes people you love and respect to say, ‘You can.’”
And clearly – he could.
The Smashing Machine Releases in UK Theatres on October 3
The buzz is real, the performance is unforgettable, and the man once known for flexing muscles is now flexing something far more powerful – his humanity.
Dwayne Johnson may have once been “The Rock,” but in The Smashing Machine, he’s something even stronger – real.