Overview
- Speaking to Variety on Dec. 18 at the Golden Globes, Johnson said he has lost exactly 15 friends to addiction or suicide over the past two decades.
- He described The Smashing Machine as a love letter to people who struggle, honoring those who recovered and those who did not.
- The film dramatizes UFC legend Mark Kerr’s life, with Johnson portraying Kerr and Emily Blunt playing his then-wife, Dawn Staples.
- Johnson said the role deepened his empathy, noting a daily prosthetics regimen with artist Kazu Hiro and collaboration with director Benny Safdie to reshape his appearance and performance.
- After a Venice premiere, the movie is being covered as a pivot toward more challenging dramatic work and is available to rent on Apple TV.