Why Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's A24 Movie Is More Exciting Than His Fast & Furious Return

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's Dramatic Departure

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is set to star in A24's newest biopic, The Smashing Machine, and it may be his most intriguing project yet. The wrestling biopic, written and directed by Benny Safdie, will star Johnson as famed MMA fighter Mark Kerr. While portraying a wrestler is hardly new territory for Johnson, this film will allow him to show off his acting skills with a more nuanced, emotional performance. Johnson, a former wrestler himself, has long been associated with action films, to the point where the mere mention of his name immediately conjures up images of muscle-bound action heroes. Franchises like G.I. Joe, Jumanji, and (of course) Fast & Furious have contributed heavily to Johnson's current fame. However, it's time for him to break away from action roles; the upcoming A24 film may be Johnson's most dramatic role yet.

Dwayne Johnson in WWE and the A24 Logo The Smashing Machine

After the success of Uncut Gems, Benny Safdie took a hiatus from directing to focus on acting, so his return to the director's chair is already cause for excitement. Safdie and Johnson have been planning to make The Smashing Machine since 2019, when Johnson's production company secured the rights, and it promises to be well worth the wait. With Safdie's directorial talent and Johnson's acting skills, as well as the passion they both clearly have for the story, it's difficult not to feel excited for the end result. The Smashing Machine will also be an emotionally demanding performance from The Rock, who has long been relegated to the role of hired muscle for action films. The biopic promises to delve into the cost of Kerr's success, including his struggles with addiction. This understated performance will be a far cry from the action-comedies and superhero films that have long defined Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, but the departure will usher him into a far more interesting stage of his career.

Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam sitting on his throne in Black Adam

The Smashing Machine: A New Era for The Rock

The success of iconic franchises like Fast & Furious has made Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson practically synonymous with action-packed blockbusters. However, the upcoming A24 film, The Smashing Machine, represents a departure from the typical action roles Johnson is known for. This character-driven biopic promises to showcase a different side of Johnson's acting prowess, allowing him to explore more nuanced and emotionally demanding performances. The Smashing Machine will be a significant milestone in Johnson's career, solidifying his position as a well-rounded actor and opening up new avenues for his skills.

In contrast to his return to the Fast & Furious franchise, The Smashing Machine will usher in a new era for Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's career. While the Fast & Furious movies have contributed to Johnson's stardom, they have also confined him to a specific type of role. By taking on a smaller, passion project like The Smashing Machine, Johnson will have the opportunity to break free from the constraints of franchise films and explore more creatively fulfilling work. This shift represents a positive step forward for Johnson, allowing him to showcase his versatility as an actor and move beyond the limitations of his movie star formula.

The Rock's Career Evolution: From Action Hero to Versatile Actor

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's career has been defined by his larger-than-life roles in action-packed blockbusters like Fast & Furious and Jumanji. However, with the upcoming A24 film, The Smashing Machine, Johnson is poised to undergo a significant career evolution. This biopic offers Johnson the opportunity to transition from his well-established persona as an action hero to a more versatile and emotionally engaging actor. The Smashing Machine will showcase Johnson's range and depth as an actor, allowing him to explore the complexities of a real-life character and deliver a compelling, nuanced performance.

In contrast to the flashy and high-octane nature of the Fast & Furious franchise, The Smashing Machine represents a departure from the typical roles Johnson has been associated with. This shift signals a new chapter in Johnson's career, one that emphasizes substance over spectacle and highlights his ability to take on challenging and emotionally resonant characters. The biopic's exploration of the personal struggles and emotional depth of its central character will provide Johnson with a platform to redefine his on-screen persona and establish himself as a versatile actor capable of delivering powerful and introspective performances.