Emily Blunt Says Dwayne Johnson Is “Unrecognizable” in ‘The Smashing Machine’

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As a longtime fan and admirer of Dwayne Johnson, I must say that his career has always been nothing short of inspiring. From wrestling rings to Hollywood blockbusters, he has consistently proven his versatility and resilience. However, I’ve always felt that there was a certain depth missing in his roles – something more substantial than just physical prowess.

Speaking about Dwayne Johnson often leads to comments that he tends to portray similar characters across his films. Indeed, his roles in movies like Jungle Cruise, Jumanji, Rampage, and Skyscraper seem quite alike, lacking much depth. However, Emily Blunt, who stars alongside him in The Smashing Machine, remarks that Johnson is “unrecognizable” in the MMA drama, which suggests positive things for its future.

Under the guidance of Benny Safdie, the film “The Smashing Machine” unfolds, recounting the authentic tale of mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr and his lifelong battles, particularly those with addiction. Johnson assumes the leading role in this A24 biopic, delivering an unexpectedly powerful performance that has already sparked talk of Academy Awards. In an interview with Variety, Blunt – depicting Kerr’s spouse, Dawn Staples – revealed her astonishment at Johnson’s physical transformation into the former UFC champion. This transformation was so convincing, she found it challenging to distinguish where Johnson ended and Kerr began, marking a significant milestone in the actor’s career.

It’s well-known that Dwayne isn’t the kind of person who can easily blend into the background, not just due to his impressive stature, but simply because of his unique personality. This quality is evidently on display here.

As per Blunt’s statement, who shared screen space with Johnson in the movie “Jungle Cruise”, it isn’t only his external change into Kerr that makes his acting exceptional. Moreover, she noted that the actor was exceptionally skilled at embodying not just Kerr’s physical traits, but also his emotional state and mental disposition.

This movie is exceptionally powerful, focusing on the true story of mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Mark Kerr. It delves into his battles with addiction, his personal relationships, creating an incredibly engaging, deeply emotional journey. Performing in this film was a profoundly intense experience, and he truly shines in it.

Dwayne Johnson Wants to Carve Out a Memorable Legacy

To put it frankly: So far, Johnson’s contributions to the movie industry haven’t created a lasting impact or established a significant legacy. While his movies have generated enormous box office earnings, it’s challenging to find a character of his that has deeply touched people. His films are entertaining in their own right, but they tend to fade from memory quickly after viewing.

It seems Johnson is also cognizant of this issue, and having been in Hollywood for over two decades now, he appears ready to take action. In fact, when the project The Smashing Machine was first announced, he openly discussed his intentions with reporters, expressing a desire to delve deeper into creating movies that have significance.

Currently, I’m seeking new challenges in my professional journey that I haven’t encountered before. My goal is to create movies that resonate deeply, delving into the complexities of human nature, examining struggles, hardships, and emotions.

The question that arises now is: will The Smashing Machine succeed? For such a long time, Dwayne Johnson has been our action hero, and it seems any significant change in his career may necessitate some time for the audience to adapt to this new direction. It appears that Johnson’s aspiration to be recognized as a serious actor largely depends on the reception of The Smashing Machine at this juncture. Thus, we can only anticipate the outcome when the movie is released next year. For now, we’re left with movies like Red One, which is currently showing in cinemas everywhere.

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2024-12-06 19:32