Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s decision to star in Benny Safdie‘s upcoming solo directorial debut “The Smashing Machine” was a massive departure from his typical creative preferences. The wrestler-turned-actor became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars by prioritizing family friendly blockbusters that could attract all demographics. But “The Smashing Machine,” which is currently in development at A24, will see Johnson taking a darker, more personal approach to tell the story of Mark Kerr, the MMA legend who famously struggled with an addiction to painkillers.
In a new interview with Variety, Johnson recalled how the unlikely project came to fruition. Johnson explained that he and Safdie first began discussing a film about Kerr in 2019, when the actor’s Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights to Kerr’s life story. Safdie was also a fan, and reached out to Johnson about working together on the project. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, both men pivoted to other priorities and the film seemed dead.
“Benny thought I ghosted him, and maybe I was just a fuckin’ asshole,” Johnson said, though he noted that he still thought about the film “every day.”
The project was saved by an unlikely hero: Emily Blunt. After striking up a close friendship with Johnson while filming “Jungle Cruise,” Blunt encouraged the star to reconnect with Safdie after working with him on Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” Johnson took her advice and the film was soon back on track — and the actor is glad that he did.
“Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting,” Johnson said. “I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain.”
Johnson made it clear that he’s not giving up on the blockbusters that have been his bread and butter, but said he’s excited to begin supplementing those films with more personal roles.
“I want to be clear not to say that this is an abandonment of big, four-quadrant movies. I love making them, and there is tremendous value and importance in [them],” Johnson said. “But there’s a time and a place for them. I’m at this point in my career where I want more. And I don’t mean I want more box office. I mean I want more humanity. And that is why Benny Safdie is the perfect, collaborative, hungry partner for me.”
