For decades, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been the go-to name for blockbuster action films. From Fast & Furious to Jumanji, his larger-than-life persona dominated screens worldwide. Yet behind the success, Johnson admits there has been a cost: being pigeon-holed into one kind of role.
Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, Johnson opened up about how fame and the blockbuster machine confined him to a predictable lane. “It can push you into a lane … this is what you do … this is what Hollywood wants you to be,” he said. His words revealed the struggle of balancing box-office demand with personal creative growth.
That balance shifts with The Smashing Machine, his most dramatic role yet. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film sees Johnson portray UFC legend Mark Kerr, a fighter battling both glory and inner demons. Johnson admitted he had long been afraid to go “deep and raw,” but this role forced him into emotional territory far beyond his usual action-hero comfort zone.
The gamble paid off. The film’s premiere at Venice earned a standing ovation that reportedly lasted over 15 minutes, leaving Johnson visibly moved. Early critics are already calling it a career-defining performance and even hinting at awards-season recognition.
More than just another project, The Smashing Machine marks a turning point for Johnson. It shows that even global superstars must sometimes reinvent themselves, choosing vulnerability and risk over safe formulas. For Johnson, stepping out of the blockbuster mold may finally unlock the full range of his talent.