Dwayne Johnson is rich but it seems that his thirst for highly-paying roles is to a halt as the actor has been on the lookout for roles that challenge him to a deeper level. Of course, doing hardcore action movies is undeniably hard but preparation for grounded movies with a paycheck of smaller numbers may take a toll on actors. But Johnson made his choices as he seemingly needed a break from his generic high-voltage action movies. The part-time wrestler and actor is set to appear in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine.
Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine Will Challenge The Actor
Dwayne Johnson in The Smashing Machine. Image credit: A24
We all have seen Dwayne Johnson’s charisma and his prowess to shine as an action star. He was a star long before his cinematic appearances as he worked his way through the top of the food chain making himself a WWF/E star. Johnson made his Hollywood debut with Brendan Fraser-starrer The Mummy Returns where he played The Scorpion King, and later got his solo movie of the same name as his character.
Johnson also made a stunning record with his debut movie with his Scorpion King role, The Rock claimed the the largest paycheck ever paid to a first-time actor in a leading role (per CelebrityNetWorth). Johnson, arguably one of the most popular actors and WWE superstars, now stands at a stunning $800 million fortune.
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While his wealth is not entirely from movies, still, he has been one of the highest-paid actors in the industry. But the actor is seemingly looking for a more challenging role rather than his straight-out action comedies or action adventure movie. Signing in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, The Rock proved that he is ready to take serious and grounded role.
Indeed, it’s a good thing. It will allow the actor to explore his hidden prowess pushing him to the edge of complexity. Now, Johnson will have to be both physically and mentally prepared for the role. And every fan of the actor would acknowledge that Johnson should check this box to elevate his acting resume.
Dwayne Johnson Said He Needs More Grounded Narratives
Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Image Credit: Disney
Johnson candidly expressed his inclination towards the role as he is set to play former wrestler and mixed martial artist Mark Kerr. His role in the biographical sports drama is not simple, The Rock must equally excel in perfecting Kerr’s in-ring prowess as well as his addiction to painkillers. Addressing the movie under the banner of A24 and produced by Seven Bucks Productions, Johnson said that The Smashing Machine role is his “most dramatic project and role yet” (via Variety).
“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. 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.”
Johnson will reunite with his Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt who is also set to appear alongside The Rock in Jungle Cruise 2, she will play Dawn Staples, Mark Kerr’s ex-wife. As for the new update of the movie, The Smashing Machine reportedly wrapped filming on August 7.
While the movie has not locked a release date, it is expected to hit the theaters in 2025.
