Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Benny Safdie Support Josh Brolin's 'Smashing Machine'
Emily Blunt shared why she cried the first time she saw Dwayne Johnson portraying Mark Kerr in the campaign for Oscar recognition of the film The Smashing Machine. Despite a disappointing box office performance, Benny Safdie’s film continues to have strong supporters, motivating A24 to pursue awards season opportunities.
On Tuesday night, Josh Brolin traveled from Santa Barbara to the Academy’s Lynwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood to moderate an engaging Q&A session with Safdie and stars Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. Brolin is also among the film’s fans.
Critical Reception
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About the Film
Set mainly in the early 2000s, The Smashing Machine stars Johnson as Mark Kerr, a pioneering UFC fighter who defies common stereotypes about the profession. Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife at the time, who is depicted as struggling with her own personal challenges.
The film earned Safdie the Best Director award after its premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.
Q&A Highlights
The discussion, like many talent-hosted Q&As, became a celebration of the film and its people. Although Johnson and Brolin, longtime friends, have never acted together on screen, Brolin appeared with Blunt in Sicario, while Blunt and Johnson co-starred in Jungle Cruise.
“It was a lovefest of talent and friendship,” said Brolin during the event.
The Smashing Machine stands out as a compelling portrayal of resilience both in and outside the ring.
Author’s Summary: The film highlights Dwayne Johnson’s transformative performance and the collaborative spirit of its cast and creators, gaining critical acclaim despite commercial challenges.