The rock gives an Oscar decent performance in the first trailer of “The Smashing Machine” – Radio Concert

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Leave behind the brightness of action blockbusters to enter the world of the most crude and emotional drama with The Smashing Machinethe new A24 film directed by Benny Safdie. In the first trailer, revealed this week, the actor appears completely transformed into Mark Kerr, former MMA and UFC championknown both for his success in the octagon and for his deep personal struggles.
The film portrays Kerr’s turbulent life between glory and fall, marked by addiction, sport pressure and its complex personal relationships. Emily Blunt He plays Dawn Staples, his wife, in which he represents a new acting meeting with Johnson after Jungle Cruise. But here there are no family adventures or dazzling special effects: instead, history bets on emotional intensity and vulnerability, elements that They could position the rock for the first time as a serious candidate in the race for the awards.
The script and direction are in charge of Benny Safdiewho debuts alone after the success with his brother in titles such as Uncut Gems and Good Time. With a raw and realistic approach, The Smashing Machine The line of deeply human sports dramas continues that have captivated criticism, such as The Wrestler either The Iron Claw.
Your first dramatic interpretation
The inclusion of the rock, a blockbusters star who usually interpreted the same character in different films, quickly gave what to talk about. But although not everyone is convinced of the casting, the tape is an opportunity for the actor to demonstrate his acting range. Something similar to what happened with Adam Sandler, who received nominations in several awards ceremonies after Uncut Gems.
Kerr’s story was already portrayed in an HBO documentary in 2002, also entitled The Smashing Machinewhich explored his sports triumphs and his struggles outside the ring. Safdie is inspired by that real story to build a story that, in Johnson’s words, “Explore humanity, struggle and pain.”
With a premiere scheduled for October 2, 2025, the film already generates expectations such as a potential contender in the awards season. The trailer anticipates an intense and surprising performance of Johnson, which was completely transformed for paper.
Check the trailer below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arpnp3lz99g