Overview
- In a Dec. 18 Variety interview on the Golden Globes red carpet, Johnson said he has lost exactly 15 friends to overdose or suicide over the past two decades.
- He called The Smashing Machine a love letter to people who struggle, including those who did not make it through.
- The film centers on Mark Kerr’s opioid addiction and turbulent personal life, with Emily Blunt co‑starring as Dawn Staples and Benny Safdie directing.
- Johnson said he spent about four hours a day in prosthetics with makeup artist Kazu Hiro and described the experience as deepening his empathy.
- He has previously spoken about his own depression and his mother Ata Johnson’s suicide attempt, and his recent comments have renewed attention on mental‑health outreach as the October 2025 release continues to be discussed.