Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has expressed a desire to take on more dramatic acting roles, saying he would like to star in films that explore "struggle [and] pain".
The upcoming A24 Benny Safdie movie The Smashing Machine is touted as Johnson's "most dramatic project and role yet" as he gears up to play MMA champion Mark Kerr. The film will chronicle Kerr's highs and lows through the UFC, including his "struggles with addiction", in a role that Johnson hopes will be the first of many more serious undertakings.
"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," Johnson told Variety. "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.
"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]… but there's a time and a place for them," he added. "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."
Working with A24 is a bit outside of Johnson's usual lineup of big-budget action flicks, though the wrestler-turned-actor should fit right at home considering who he's playing and the MMA lifestyle he was a part of. It's also a project he is passionate about, having toiled away on the feature since Seven Bucks Productions picked up the rights in 2019.
Johnson is also not turning his back on blockbusters, with sequels to Red Notice, Jungle Cruise, and Fast X currently in various stages of development or production. He is also starring alongside Chris Evans in the festive flick Red One, which will ring in the holiday season with a theatrical release on November 15 before moving to Prime Video.
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X @AdeleAnkers.
