Dwayne Johnson Discusses New Film and Career Shifts

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. — Dwayne Johnson shared insights about his latest film, The Smashing Machine, during a recent podcast recording at Chapman University. The wrestler-turned-actor spoke of the personal challenges he faced while portraying Mark Kerr, an early MMA fighter whose life spiraled into darkness.

Johnson, 53, reflected on how he wanted to pursue a challenging role rather than merely chase box office success. “I was ready to chase the challenge, not the box office,” he said. “It completely changed my life.” He added that taking on the role represented a turning point in his career after more than 20 years in the industry.

Known as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, Johnson highlighted the emotional depth of his performance, stating, “I made a film to challenge myself and really rip myself open.” Despite receiving critical acclaim, The Smashing Machine has struggled at the box office, grossing about $20 million against a production cost of $50 million.

Johnson expressed concern over whether the Academy would penalize the film for its underperformance, despite its artistic merits. “The question is whether they will reward me for digging deeper than ever before,” he said.

He elaborated on his personal connection to the film and how it allowed him to explore parts of his life he had previously avoided. “For years, I did big fun films, but I could also take all this stuff and have a place to put it,” he explained.

Throughout the podcast, Johnson shared anecdotes from his life, including how he came close to pursuing a career in MMA before deciding to focus on acting. He acknowledges that his experiences have shaped his performances, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in acting.

The conversation also touched on Johnson’s long-standing friendship with Brendan Fraser, who approached him after learning about his role in The Smashing Machine. Johnson underscored the collaborative spirit of filmmaking and the need to challenge oneself creatively.

As fans eagerly await the film’s release, Johnson remains optimistic about the future and the new directions his career may take. “I have projects with Scorsese and Aronofsky on the horizon,” he noted. “I’m going to continue to challenge myself.”