Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has reinvented himself more than once—wrestler, action hero, entrepreneur, Disney demigod—but his latest pivot may be his most unexpected yet. Known for commanding the screen with an imposing presence and larger-than-life energy, Johnson is now turning heads with a transformation that’s almost unrecognizable. And no, this isn’t for another superhero flick or high-octane sequel—it’s for a gritty prestige drama that’s already creating serious conversation.
The former WWE superstar and Hollywood megastar is set to lead The Smashing Machine, an upcoming biopic from indie powerhouse A24. Known for roles that thrive on charisma and brute force, Johnson is trading in his familiar persona for something far more raw, intense, and grounded. His portrayal of real-life MMA legend Mark Kerr marks a distinct shift—both in tone and physicality—that’s catching fans and industry watchers alike off guard.
For longtime followers of Johnson’s multi-decade career, this pivot is part of a well-documented evolution. The son of wrestling great Rocky Johnson, he emerged as one of the biggest names in professional wrestling during the “Attitude Era” of the WWF, now WWE. With unmatched mic skills and crowd command, Johnson soon found himself entering the movie business—first with roles that played to his strengths, then eventually as a bankable anchor for tentpole franchises.
After making his big-screen debut in The Mummy Returns (2001) and the spinoff The Scorpion King (2002), Johnson’s early years in Hollywood were a mix of family comedies and mid-budget actioners. But it was his role as DSS agent Luke Hobbs in Fast Five (2011) that launched him into a new level of stardom. From there, films like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), Rampage (2018), and Skyscraper (2018) helped solidify his standing as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid and most reliable stars.
But not every project hit the mark. In 2022, Johnson’s much-hyped superhero debut in Black Adam—a role he’d championed for over a decade—failed to land with audiences. The Jaume Collet-Serra-directed film struggled at the box office, and reports soon emerged suggesting behind-the-scenes tension and creative clashes.
In early 2024, Johnson returned to the WWE, thrilling longtime fans with a high-profile comeback. Yet, the move sparked some debate. Was it a genuine return to his roots, or a strategic recalibration after Black Adam’s underperformance? Either way, Johnson’s return to the ring reminded the world where his showmanship began.
While his in-ring appearances generated plenty of attention, his 2023 film output was notably quiet. Aside from a cameo in Fast X, Johnson’s most significant screen moment was voice work in Moana 2, the animated sequel to Disney’s 2016 hit. The film, which debuted in November, continued the beloved story of Moana and demigod Maui, and Johnson is set to reprise the role in an upcoming live-action remake scheduled for next year.
Before that remake arrives, though, Johnson is generating renewed interest with his role in The Smashing Machine. Directed by Benny Safdie—best known for co-directing Uncut Gems—the film casts Johnson as Mark Kerr, a real-life wrestling and MMA champion whose life was marked by both triumph and personal struggle. Emily Blunt, who previously shared the screen with Johnson in Jungle Cruise (2021), plays Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples.
When A24 released the first official image of Johnson in character as Kerr in May 2024, the reaction was immediate. Sporting prosthetics and a dramatically altered physique, Johnson looked almost nothing like the leading man fans were used to seeing.
The internet lit up with commentary on the drastic change, and for many, it marked a turning point in how Johnson’s acting range is perceived. Known for his rigorous fitness regimens, Johnson also gave fans a glimpse into the intense preparation that went into embodying Kerr—a man whose battles extended well beyond the cage.
Now, with the arrival of the first trailer, audiences are finally getting a deeper look at what The Smashing Machine has in store. “Set to Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way,’ the trailer shows Johnson sporting prosthetics on his face to help him better resemble Kerr, as well as speaking with an Ohio-area accent rather than his trademark booming voice,” The Hollywood Reporter explained.
This stylistic departure is a significant moment for Johnson. Produced by his own Seven Bucks Productions—founded in 2012 with his longtime business partner and ex-wife Dany Garcia—alongside Out for the Count, The Smashing Machine is scheduled to hit theaters on October 3, 2025.
By the time the film arrives, Johnson will have already celebrated another box office milestone. Moana 2 has officially joined the billion-dollar club, marking yet another high-water mark for Johnson’s collaboration with Disney. But that journey is far from over.
In April 2023, Johnson appeared alongside Disney CEO Bob Iger to announce a live-action Moana remake, standing on the beaches of Oahu, Hawaii to underscore the project’s cultural roots. While original voice actress Auliʻi Cravalho will not reprise her role in front of the camera, she remains on board as an executive producer. The film will be directed by Tony Award-winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton) and is currently slated for release on July 26, 2026. Disney and Seven Bucks Productions are co-producing.
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