Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Benny Safdie Promote 'The Smashing Machine'
The film The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, may have underperformed at the box office but continues to gather strong support, especially from awards circles. A24 is actively pursuing its recognition during the awards season.
Q&A Event with Josh Brolin
On Tuesday evening, Josh Brolin traveled from Santa Barbara to Hollywood's Lynwood Dunn Theater to lead a lively Q&A session featuring Safdie and stars Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. Brolin is among the film’s enthusiastic fans.
Emily Blunt shared an emotional moment: she cried the first time she saw Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, the pioneering UFC fighter portrayed in the film.
About the Film
Set mainly in the early 2000s, The Smashing Machine follows Mark Kerr, played by Johnson, who challenges typical ideas of a UFC fighter. Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife at the time, who struggles with her own personal challenges.
The film earned Safdie the Best Director award at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.
Connections Among Cast
- Josh Brolin and Dwayne Johnson are longtime friends but have never appeared together on screen.
- Brolin acted alongside Emily Blunt in Sicario.
- Emily Blunt and Johnson co-starred in Jungle Cruise.
Reviews describe the film as "Insightful," "Smart, Funny, Easy To Digest, And Always Newsworthy," as well as "Always Informative And Honest."
Overall, the Q&A felt like a heartfelt celebration of the film’s impact and the talents involved.
Summary: Despite modest box office returns, The Smashing Machine earns heartfelt praise from critics and stars, spotlighting its emotional depth and award-winning direction.