The Rock On Why He’s Taking A More Dramatic Role With The Smashing Machine

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is heading back to dramatic territory with the Mark Kerr biopic The Smashing Machine, and he recently discussed taking on the role. Johnson will star in the film about the UFC alumnus, which is written and directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems). During a conversation with Variety, the actor explained that while he’s not walking away from big blockbuster films, he does want to tell some different kinds of stories.

“I want to be clear not to say that this is an abandonment of big, four-quadrant movies,” Johnson said. “I love making them, and there is tremendous value and importance in [them] … but there’s a time and a place for them.”

He continued, “I’m at this point in my career where I want more. And I don’t mean I want more box office. I mean I want more humanity. And that is why Benny Safdie is the perfect, collaborative, hungry partner for me.”

The film was announced last month and will see Johnson produce as well as star. It is his first full-on dramatic film role since 2006’s Gridion Gang.