“I feel like I’ve evolved”

Dwayne Johnson Explained How His New Film A24 “Liberating” The crushing machine changed his career approach when considering new films to star in. The WWE wrestler turned actor has starred in many blockbuster films throughout his career, from several Fast and Furious movies for the 2022 DCEU movie Black Adam. However, his upcoming biopic The crushing machine will see him play MMA fighter Mark Kerr, a far cry from the action-packed, fictional films he is known for. The independent film, directed by Benny Safdie, marks Johnson’s first time starring in an A24 production.

Talking to HQ about your role The crushing machineJohnson explained how the film changed the way he approaches his career. The actor explained that he always made films with the public in mind, but this his biopic role made him realize he wants to start making films that resonate with him on a deeper level. While this doesn’t mean he’ll only star in smaller productions from now on, he said he wants to diversify his future film projects. Check out what Johnson had to say below:

I had this presumption and idealized what my career should be like. Public first. Let’s take care of the public first. So I take a material, look at it and think: Okay, does this have four-quadrant capacity and opportunity? Will the audience like seeing me in this role?

It was also an opportunity for me, I realized, to stretch myself in a way that hadn’t yet been developed. And also challenge myself in ways I haven’t been challenged.

I feel like I have evolved and grown. What has evolved and changed, and I say this with respect because I love people, is that it has to be for me.

One hundred percent. Now, not to say that ‘Oh, there are no more great films’. Because great movies are fun and there is a place for them in our business so that many families and people around the world can enjoy them. But there’s also a place for me, in my career, where the material is deeper, allows me to sink my teeth into something deeper, richer.

What The Smashing Machine Really Means for Johnson’s Future Film Career

He may take on similar roles in the near future

Johnson’s best-known films were blockbusters from renowned studios, with the actor often gaining prominence in larger productions. This still rings true in 2024, with his latest film, Redlike this Moana 2next release. He’s also set to reprise his role as Maui in a live-action film. Moana remake in 2026, showing that he is not done participating in big-budget films yet. However, your statement about The crushing machine indicates that he is broadening his horizonslooking for work that satisfies you artistically and commercially.

By altering her career path, Johnson opens herself up to more opportunities, potentially garnering more positive reception for her performances in smaller roles. The actor’s big films have not been successful with critics in recent years, with reviews from Red scoring it 36% on Rotten Tomatoes prior to release. His last positively received film was 2022 DC League of Super-Petswhich was also his first animated feature since Moana. This could indicate that when Johnson works outside of his typical action-packed films, he may find unexpected critical success, making putting himself first a positive step for his career.

Our take on Johnson’s career after The Smashing Machine

This could be the start of more independent films on your schedule

Although it will take some time before The crushing machine receives any form of critical reception, Johnson’s dedication to the film indicates that more indies could be in his future lineup. This would open the door to many unique films where he could flex his acting muscles, taking on roles he otherwise never could have in a blockbuster setting. With the film set to be released next year, it seems that the actor’s career is about to take a turn that will define his future cinematic choices.

Source: HQ