In the grand tradition of the cameo, and especially that of the sports cameo, The Rock (or, Dwayne Johnson) seems to be the current epitome. The former WWE wrestler seems to easily slip into roles that are essentially extensions of himself, or ones where the script is written with him in mind. If you have seen films such as the Baywatch reboot, Central Intelligence, Jumanji (another reboot), or even Moana, you may recognise this.
His newest film The Smashing Machine (2025), does see a shift, however, as he plays famed MMA fighter Mark Kerr in what seems like a radical change to his career. The film focuses on events in Kerr’s career between the years 1997 to 2000, and specifically appearances at international fighting competitions alongside his coach and mentor Mark Coleman. Central to the film’s plot is the notion of the seemingly invincible fighter losing a key fight, and the inevitable physical and psychological fallout that follows; affecting those around him - not only Coleman but also his partner Dawn Staples—played by Emily Blunt.
This fall from grace in 1999 is the central theme of the plot: feelings of anger, guilt and failure are projected onto his entourage, with Staples especially being blamed. Kerr spirals into addiction whilst the heavy toll of this becomes unbearable on his partner with devastating consequences. Kerr’s rehabilitation and return to competition is somewhat predictable, but what is more refreshing is that he seems more mature and accepting of his fate, which manages to swerve a few obvious cliches along the way.
This fall from grace in 1999 is the central theme of the plot
There has been some discussion however as to the accuracy of the events, plot and eventualities, sweetened for a contemporary audience. Much has been made of Johnson’s central performance, the script writing and indeed the film’s technical quality, shot in an appropriate “period” aesthetic and overall impact (winning the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival and tipped as a possible outsider for an Oscar nomination). Ultimately though, does Johnson manage to transcend what seems to be the curse of being too recognisable in himself to be anyone else?
Personally, I can only see him as Dwayne Johnson. Because of this and the script, the film is held back and is not as good as it could be. Other than that, it is okay and is worth watching.