The Rock Calls Golden Globes Nomination a “Love Letter” to Wrestlers and Fighters Battling Demons

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson says his Golden Globes nomination for The Smashing Machine feels like a “love letter” to wrestlers and fighters who have faced addiction and personal struggles. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he explained what went on behind the scenes before the film was made and who he would like to dedicate it to.

The Smashing Machine has received two nominations at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, one for The Rock (who played Mark Kerr himself) for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, and one for his co-star Emily Blunt (who played Kerr’s wife Dawn Staples) for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.

Johnson explained that the film has been in development for nearly seven years, beginning with his first meeting with director Benny Safdie to explore telling Mark Kerr’s story. He said the nomination reflects trusting a quiet instinct, taking on work that feels intimidating, and relying on a committed team that includes Safdie, Blunt, and makeup artist Kazu Hiro.

“It’s been a long go with The Smashing Machine: seven years ago is when I first met Benny [Safdie] about this. So it’s been over half a decade to get this going and so, it represents believing in and listening to that little voice, and also doing the work, even when it’s scary, and surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are chasing the challenge as well. That would be Benny, Emily, and Kazu [Hiro], who helped with this transformation every day.”

Johnson also pointed to the film’s connection to the realities of substance abuse and mental health challenges within the combat sports world. Kerr’s life, he said, shaped the film’s emotional direction. Kerr rose quickly in MMA, lost his career and stability through addiction, overdosed twice, and eventually rebuilt his life in sobriety. Johnson described the movie as “a nod to those who fight,” acknowledging that many people never receive the second chance Kerr managed to find.

“On top of that, I think the nomination represents the fight in everybody, especially with addictions and those demons that you battle. Mark Kerr had it all and lost everything, and then has since become sober. He did overdose twice. Life is good because he’s sober and because he made it. Not everyone is that lucky. That’s the movie that we wanted to make: a nod to those who fight.”

Reflecting on why the nomination feels personal, Johnson shared that he has lost about 15 friends from wrestling and fighting circles to addiction or suicide in recent years. Some overdosed. Others took their own lives when the pressure became overwhelming. Johnson said these losses stayed with him and influenced his commitment to the project.

“But last week, I thought, ‘Let me take a tally here.’ Over the last years, I’ve lost 15 friends who are all wrestlers and fighters to addiction. Some OD’d, some decided to check out. Life was too hard. It shook me, and then it restabilized me in a way like, ‘Okay, I’m so happy we made this film.’ It is a love letter to those that I just talked to you about. That’s why this nomination means so much.”