When it comes to breaking barriers and redefining storytelling, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Emily Blunt, and director Benny Safdie have taken an extraordinary leap with their upcoming movie, The Smashing Machine. Based on the tumultuous life of MMA legend Mark Kerr, this film isn’t just about combat sports—it’s a heart-pounding exploration of human resilience, emotional vulnerability, and the complexities behind strength. In a candid and moving conversation on Sway In The Morning, the trio opened up about their journey, the challenges of bringing Mark Kerr’s story to life, and what it truly means to embrace radical empathy.
Bringing Mark Kerr’s Story to the Big Screen
Dwayne Johnson revealed that the idea for this film had been brewing since 2019. Inspired by Benny Safdie’s frenetic and dynamic direction in Uncut Gems, Johnson reached out to the filmmaker with his vision of adapting Mark Kerr’s story. However, the project faced an unexpected hurdle: COVID-19. It wasn’t until a serendipitous reunion on the set of Oppenheimer—thanks to Emily Blunt—that the collaboration was reignited.
“I just watched the documentary, and I felt this role was everything DJ (Dwayne Johnson) had been waiting for—a chance to step out of his comfort zone and tackle something incredibly daunting,” Emily shared. She played a crucial role in reconnecting Dwayne and Benny, acting as the “couple’s therapist” to bring this dream project back to life. 😊
The Challenges of Vulnerability in Storytelling
While Johnson is known for his larger-than-life roles, this film offered a unique challenge. Playing Mark Kerr—the vulnerable, emotionally unraveling MMA fighter—meant stepping away from blockbuster action into raw, dramatic territory. Johnson described the process as listening to “the little voice behind my rib cage” that pushed him to chase challenges rather than comfort.
“I’ve chased box office success for years, but this time, my heart was calling for something deeper,” Johnson explained. “It’s scary. But you realize the heart is its own boss, and you have to listen to it.” 🌟
Benny Safdie added a profound perspective, emphasizing the importance of radical empathy. “If there’s one takeaway from this film, it’s that empathy and vulnerability are cool. They’re strengths, not weaknesses.” This philosophy became the foundation for the entire production, guiding the cast and crew through some of the film’s most emotionally intense moments.
Inside the Emotional Journey of Filming
Filming The Smashing Machine wasn’t all smooth sailing. The emotionally charged scenes between Mark Kerr and his partner, Dawn (played by Emily Blunt), required a level of raw realism that left the actors drained. “We didn’t talk much on set,” Emily admitted. “We stayed in our own worlds, getting into the zone for the storm that was brewing in those scenes.”
Director Benny Safdie ensured the environment supported this vulnerability. He built a fully functional house on a soundstage—with no movable walls or bright production lights—to create an atmosphere of intimacy. This allowed the actors to fully immerse themselves in their roles, making the audience feel like voyeurs in deeply personal moments.
“After those intense scenes, we built in time to recover,” Safdie shared. “It wasn’t just about yelling ‘cut.’ We’d have an hour to decompress, talk, and heal.”
Redefining Masculinity and Strength
The film also tackles broader themes of masculinity and vulnerability, especially in today’s world where young men grapple with conflicting definitions of strength. Johnson reflected on his own journey, emphasizing how important it is to wear your heart on your sleeve.
“We were raised to think vulnerability was weakness. ‘What are you crying about? I’ll give you something to cry about!’ That’s what we heard growing up,” Johnson said. “But now, I tell young men to use vulnerability as a superpower. Speak from your heart—it’s okay, and it should be celebrated.”
Safdie echoed this sentiment, adding, “Even the strongest people have their struggles. Hiding them doesn’t help anyone. This movie shows the beauty of letting it all out and connecting with others.”
A Standing Ovation in Venice
The emotional impact of The Smashing Machine was undeniable, as proven at the Venice Film Festival where it received a staggering 15-minute standing ovation. Johnson admitted he was overwhelmed, brought to tears by the audience’s reaction.
“It was surreal. We made this movie with our hearts, not for box office numbers. Seeing the audience erupt the moment the credits rolled was everything,” Johnson said. The applause wasn’t just for the actors or the movie—it was for Mark Kerr himself, who was present at the screening. Emily added, “It was a moment of reclamation for Mark. The audience was saying, ‘You lived a life worth living.’”
What’s Next for This Dynamic Trio?
After the success of The Smashing Machine, Johnson, Blunt, and Safdie aren’t slowing down. Safdie announced their next project, Lizard Music, a family-friendly film based on a beloved children’s book. “We want to bring the same heart and emotional connection to kids and families,” Safdie shared.
The Smashing Machine isn’t just a film about MMA—it’s a film about humanity, vulnerability, and resilience. It’s about breaking down the walls we build around ourselves and finding strength in our struggles. As Johnson puts it, “Take a swing. Even if you’re scared, just try.”
So, what does vulnerability mean to you? Are you ready to embrace it as a strength? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to catch The Smashing Machine when it hits theaters—it’s a cinematic experience you won’t want to miss. 🎥✨
