Dwayne Johnson deviated from his usual style of films for his last feature and starred in The Smashing Machine, based on the true story of mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr. In a recent Roundtable discussion, the Black Adam star described what guided him out of his comfort zone.
Dwayne Johnson reveals reason behind doing The Smashing Machine
Dwayne Johnson has been one of the most bankable stars in recent decades, with most of his projects doing very well, at least at the box office. However, Johnson did not stray far from the path that led him there over all these years. His usual picks oscillated between big-budget action or star-studded comedies and adventures.
But something changed within the actor in the past years that led him to search for more.
Johnson discussed this during The Hollywood Reporter Actor Roundtable, which also featured fellow actors, Adam Sandler and Jacob Elordi.
“I have this little voice behind my rib cage,” Johnson explained about his drive to find something more meaningful (via Parade), “Sometimes it whispers to us, and sometimes it’s really resounding, and it’s pounding on us.”
He explained how he started demanding more for himself, especially as an artist. He did acknowledge that blockbuster movies were fun, but he was “obsessed” with taking a step forward. “One of the things I’m obsessed with is this idea of trying and just taking a step,” he continued, “What’s yours is yours, what’s not yours is not yours.”
Soon, the former WWE star began asking himself questions. “I started asking myself, am I living my dream?” he said, “I had this obsession to do something for me.”
This search led him to Benny Safdie’s UFC drama, The Smashing Machine. “With The Smashing Machine, it was just that opportunity,” Johnson concluded, “The universe has this way of meeting you halfway.”
Johnson’s performance received immense praise despite the film failing to become one of the standout features of the year. It is still a good start for Johnson, who may explore this territory further going forward.
Originally reported by Sourav Chakraborty on Mandatory.
