Dwayne Johnson moved to tears by 15-minute ovation for The Smashing Machine at Venice Film Festival
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, Dwayne Johnson was brought to tears by a 15-minute ovation from viewers of The Smashing Machine at the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film has received an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Seth Rogen attended the press conference and film premiere, jokingly striking photographer poses.
In this biographical drama, Johnson plays Mark Kerr, the MMA fighter who rose to fame in 2000. The film explores his struggles with addiction, competition, and his romantic relationship. Emily Blunt, reuniting with Johnson after Jungle Cruise, plays his ex-wife.
Other cast members include Oleksandr Usyk, Lindsay Gavin, Bas Rutten, Ryan Bader, James Montaseri, Yuko Hamamura, Stephen Quadros, Paul Cheng, Cyborg Abreu, André Tricoteux, Marcus Aurelio, Whitney Moore, Paul Lazenby, and Ryan Ventura.
At the film’s press conference, Johnson said: “This film isn’t really about fighting – it’s a love story. A love story about Mark and Dawn in their relationship, and about Mark and his love for what he did – his struggle to meet expectations in the ring, his challenges, and his triumph.”
Johnson added: “So often it’s harder for us – or at least sometimes for me – to know what your capabilities are, or when you’ve been limited… and sometimes the people you love and respect, like Emily and Benny, will say you can do it.”
The Smashing Machine will be released on October 3, 2025.
