Dwayne Johnson couldn’t hold back his tears after his performance in The Smashing Machine earned a roaring response from the audience. The wrestler-turned-actor plays the role of 1990s fighter Mark Kerr.Directed by Benny Safdie, the movie also stars Emily Blunt as Kerr's girlfriend, Dawn Staples.&nbsp;<h2>Dwayne Johnson tears up as The Smashing Machine gets 15 minutes in Venice.</h2>Johnson teared up as The Smashing Machine received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. The 53-year-old actor and the entire team were present on the screen as the movie garnered a huge round of applause from the crowd gathered at Sala Grande on the Lido.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harry-potter-reboot-warwick-davis-aka-professor-filius-flitwick-to-return-for-hbo-s-tv-series-1756726189022">Harry Potter reboot: Warwick Davis aka Professor Filius Flitwick to return for HBO's TV series</a>&nbsp;The audience’s cheering, clapping, and whistling honoured the film with a 15-minute standing ovation, one of the longest at this year’s festival so far.&nbsp;Looking dapper in a grey suit, the actor couldn’t hold back his emotions as the crowd celebrated the entire team.In a viral video, Johnson is seen wiping away tears while Blunt consoles him.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dwayne Johnson gets misty-eyed as his new movie &quot;The Smashing Machine&quot; gets a 15 minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival <a href="https://t.co/daOKJSDCjM">pic.twitter.com/daOKJSDCjM</a>&mdash; non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) <a href="https://twitter.com/PicturesFoIder/status/1962712018714059077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This round of applause has hinted that the movie might be one of the strong contenders in the upcoming awards season, especially the Oscars. It also suggests that Johnson could be on his way to winning the coveted golden trophy at the Academy Awards.&nbsp;Apart from Johnson, the real Mark Kerr, who was present at the screening, also shed a few tears.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-to-watch-on-ott-in-september-from-the-ba-ds-of-bollywood-to-lilo-stitch-1756726234195">OTT releases in September: From The Ba***ds of Bollywood to Lilo &amp; Stitch</a><h2>What is The Smashing Machine about?</h2>&nbsp;The movie tells the story of two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Kerr from his early days in wrestling. For the role, Johnson underwent a dramatic transformation into an unrecognisable person. &nbsp;Known for his roles in Black Adam and Baywatch, among others, this role marks a bold new direction for the actor. The movie, which also marks the solo feature directorial debut of Benny Safdie, also stars Dawn Staples, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten and Oleksandr Usyk in supporting roles.&nbsp;“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 about his role.&nbsp;He added, “I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain.”The movie is set to hit theatres in November.&nbsp;

Dwayne Johnson and the entire team of The Smashing Machine were thrilled after their movie earned an outstanding reaction from the crowd at the Venice Film Festival

Dwayne Johnson couldn’t hold back his tears after his performance in The Smashing Machine earned a roaring response from the audience. The wrestler-turned-actor plays the role of 1990s fighter Mark Kerr. Directed by Benny Safdie, the movie also stars Emily Blunt as Kerr's girlfriend, Dawn Staples. Dwayne Johnson tears up as The Smashing Machine gets 15 minutes in Venice. Johnson teared up as The Smashing Machine received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. The 53-year-old actor and the entire team were present on the screen as the movie garnered a huge round of applause from the crowd gathered at Sala Grande on the Lido. Also read: Harry Potter reboot: Warwick Davis aka Professor Filius Flitwick to return for HBO's TV series The audience’s cheering, clapping, and whistling honoured the film with a 15-minute standing ovation, one of the longest at this year’s festival so far. Looking dapper in a grey suit, the actor couldn’t hold back his emotions as the crowd celebrated the entire team. In a viral video, Johnson is seen wiping away tears while Blunt consoles him.

Dwayne Johnson and the entire team of The Smashing Machine were thrilled after their movie earned an outstanding reaction from the crowd at the Venice Film Festival

Dwayne Johnson cries as The Smashing Machine earns 15-minute ovation at Venice Film Festival

Dwayne Johnson looks unrecognisable in the first poster for the upcoming sports biopic The Smashing Machine. The movie is a biopic on the life of wrestler-turned-MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The movie will chronicle his early life, struggles with addiction, and his eventual rise to become a world champion.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/spider-man-brand-new-day-rumoured-to-begin-filming-in-august-after-tom-holland-wraps-up-nolans-the-odyssey-9007255">Spider-Man: Brand New Day rumoured to begin filming in August after Tom Holland wraps up Nolan's The Odyssey</a>
<h2>A Powerful story directed by Benny Safdie</h2>
The movie is directed by Benny Safdie, who co-directed critically acclaimed movies like Heaven Knows What (2014), Good Time (2017), and Uncut Gems (2019). The project was officially announced in December 2023, and filming began in May 2024.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Benny Safdie's THE SMASHING MACHINE. Trailer tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/JenvyUuFoe">pic.twitter.com/JenvyUuFoe</a>
&mdash; Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRock/status/1916839825992245461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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<h2>Dwayne Johnson on taking up the challenge</h2>
In a recent interview, Dwayne Johnson spoke about why he wanted to be a part of the project, saying, "I wanted more, I wanted a challenge, and I wanted the opportunity to disappear into something and disappear into a part and a role that would challenge me in ways that I've never been challenged before."
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/avengers-doomsday-directors-share-a-cheeky-bts-pic-from-the-movie-as-production-officially-begins-9010774">Avengers: Doomsday directors share a cheeky BTS pic from the movie as production officially begins</a>
<h2>A star-studded cast</h2>
The movie boasts an ensemble cast that includes Emily Blunt, Lyndsey Gavin, Oleksandr Usyk, Bas Rutten, Ryan Bader, Satoshi Ishii, and James Moontasri.
The Smashing Machine is scheduled to be released on October 3, 2025.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-protect-our-sovereignty-actor-vijay-antony-clarifies-his-statement-on-pahalgam-terror-attack-9011017">'Will protect our sovereignty': Actor Vijay Antony clarifies his statement on Pahalgam terror attack</a>
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Dwayne Johnson looks unrecognisable in the first poster for the upcoming sports biopic The Smashing Machine. The movie is a biopic on MMA fighter Mark Kerr.

Dwayne Johnson looks unrecognisable in the first poster for the upcoming sports biopic The Smashing Machine. The movie is a biopic on the life of wrestler-turned-MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The movie will chronicle his early life, struggles with addiction, and his eventual rise to become a world champion. Also Read: Spider-Man: Brand New Day rumoured to begin filming in August after Tom Holland wraps up Nolan's The Odyssey A Powerful story directed by Benny Safdie The movie is directed by Benny Safdie, who co-directed critically acclaimed movies like Heaven Knows What (2014), Good Time (2017), and Uncut Gems (2019). The project was officially announced in December 2023, and filming began in May 2024. Benny Safdie's THE SMASHING MACHINE. Trailer tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/JenvyUuFoe — Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 28, 2025 Also Read: Tom Cruise praises Ryan Coogler’s Sinners ahead of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Dwayne Johnson on taking up the challenge In a recent interview, Dwayne Johnson spoke about why he wanted to be a part of the project, saying, "I wanted more, I wanted a challenge, and I wanted the opportunity to disappear into something and disappear into a part and a role that would challenge me in ways that I've never been challenged before." Also Read: Avengers: Doomsday directors share a cheeky BTS pic from the movie as production officially begins A star-studded cast The movie boasts an ensemble cast that includes Emily Blunt, Lyndsey Gavin, Oleksandr Usyk, Bas Rutten, Ryan Bader, Satoshi Ishii, and James Moontasri. The Smashing Machine is scheduled to be released on October 3, 2025. Also Read: 'Will protect our sovereignty': Actor Vijay Antony clarifies his statement on Pahalgam terror attack

Dwayne Johnson looks unrecognisable in the first poster for the upcoming biopic The Smashing Machine

Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson is gearing up for a captivating transformation as he is all set to step into the shoes of mixed martial arts icon Mark Kerr for an upcoming film titled The Smashing Machine,&nbsp;helmed by filmmaker Benny Safdie.

A24, the production house behind the anticipated project, confirmed the casting news in a statement given to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety.

"Dwayne and Benny are singular talents, and their shared vision for Mark’s inspiring story is electrifying. We are deeply honoured to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life," A24's Noah Sacco said in a statement.

The 51-year-old actor will be delving into the highs and lows of the MMA fighter's life during his prime in 2000. The film will also explore Kerr's addiction battle, which led to an overdose.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shocking-brazilian-singer-dies-after-suffering-heart-attack-during-live-performance-669873">Shocking! Brazilian singer dies after suffering heart attack during live performance</a>

Kerr earned the nickname "The Smashing Machine" because of his aggressive fighting style. He has&nbsp;secured over two dozen MMA titles and has earned recognition as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and a World Vale Tudo Championship winner.

The MMA legend's journey was previously chronicled in a 2002 HBO documentary of the same name.

Johnson's&nbsp;roster of his upcoming projects includes a diverse lineup. He will feature next in sequels like&nbsp;Jungle Cruise 2,&nbsp;Red Notice 2&nbsp;and Fast X: Part 2 along with&nbsp;Disney's live-action remake of Moana.

Safdie has previously worked with his brother Josh Safdie as the co-director of Uncut Gems, starring Adam Sandler, and Good Time, starring Robert Pattinson. The Smashing Machine will be Safdie's first solo project as both writer and director.

Other than Johnson and Safdie, Dany Garcia, Eli Bush and David Koplan are producing&nbsp;The Smashing Machine.&nbsp;

Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson is gearing up for a captivating transformation as he is all set to step into the shoes of mixed martial arts icon Mark Kerr for an upcoming film titled The Smashing Machine, helmed by filmmaker Benny Safdie.

Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson is gearing up for a captivating transformation as he is all set to step into the shoes of mixed martial arts icon Mark Kerr for an upcoming film titled The Smashing Machine, helmed by filmmaker Benny Safdie. A24, the production house behind the anticipated project, confirmed the casting news in a statement given to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. "Dwayne and Benny are singular talents, and their shared vision for Mark’s inspiring story is electrifying. We are deeply honoured to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life," A24's Noah Sacco said in a statement. The 51-year-old actor will be delving into the highs and lows of the MMA fighter's life during his prime in 2000. The film will also explore Kerr's addiction battle, which led to an overdose. Also read: Shocking! Brazilian singer dies after suffering heart attack during live performance Kerr earned the nickname "The Smashing Machine" because of his aggressive fighting style. He has secured over two dozen MMA titles and has earned recognition as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and a World Vale Tudo Championship winner. The MMA legend's journey was previously chronicled in a 2002 HBO documentary of the same name. Johnson's roster of his upcoming projects includes a diverse lineup. He will feature next in sequels like Jungle Cruise 2, Red Notice 2 and Fast X: Part 2 along with Disney's live-action remake of Moana. Safdie has previously worked with his brother Josh Safdie as the co-director of Uncut Gems, starring Adam Sandler, and Good Time, starring Robert Pattinson. The Smashing Machine will be Safdie's first solo project as both writer and director. Other than Johnson and Safdie, Dany Garcia, Eli Bush and David Koplan are producing The Smashing Machine.

Dwayne Johnson set to portray MMA legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine