Although Dwayne Johnson’s upcoming A24 drama is exciting all on its own, it’s continuation of a great trend started by one of the company’s movies from 2023 is even more exciting. Known primarily for his summer blockbusters, many of Johnson’s best movies have gone on to help re-brand him as one of the biggest wrestling superstars, to one of Hollywood’s most bankable entertainers today. While most of Johnson’s filmography caters to the biggest action trends in Hollywood, he does have a considerable number of movies under his belt that have showcased his more dramatic range.

Johnson has cultivated an impressive body of work that, while not necessarily filled with critical darlings, demonstrates his commitment to the craft.
While Johnson is currently discussing returning to Moana 2, he isn’t known for doing too many sequels outside the Fast & Furious franchise. Nevertheless, Johnson has cultivated an impressive body of work that, while not necessarily filled with critical darlings, demonstrates his commitment to the craft. Although the details surrounding Johnson’s upcoming A24 movie are limited, what is known is that it will be a drama with many of the sensibilities commonly found within the company’s work. With Johnson teaming up with the beloved company, there are many reasons the news is exciting.

A24’s The Smashing Machine Will Cover Similar Topics As The Iron Claw
The Smashing Machine is based on the popularity surrounding former UFC fighter Mark Kerr.

Johnson will star in Bennie Safdie’s The Smashing Machine as the former two-time heavyweight Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion, Mark Kerr. While there aren’t too many specifics regarding the upcoming film, The Smashing Machine is slated to focus on the rise and fall of Kerr’s tumultuous career, his struggles with substance abuse and his increased fame, and his thoughts of self-harm in the year 2000. Speaking with Variety, Johnson highlighted the importance of The Smashing Machine, both to him and to the entertainment industry:

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’s comments mark an interesting juncture in the entertainer’s career as he’s primarily known for his charisma, unmistakable screen presence, and his extensive background in professional wrestling. As such, the role seems perfect for Johnson given Kerr’s previous career as a former fighter and professional wrestler. Furthermore, A24’s The Iron Claw has already demonstrated that thoughtful films exploring the behind-the-scenes drama in many combat sports athletes’ personal lives while also showcasing their tremendous determination through their struggles can make for compelling storytelling, which bodes extremely well for The Smashing Machine.

Why A24’s Focus On Combat Athletes Is A Good Thing

Audiences get a unique look into the personal lives of some of the world’s best entertainers.

The growing trend of A24 telling stories centered around the personal lives of some of history’s most notable and beloved combat athletes is great for the entertainment industry because it provides audiences with a unique look into their lives. Although strength comes in many different forms, men like The Iron Claw’s Kevin Von Erich, Mark Kerr, and Johnson have reputations as being some of the strongest men alive. As such, they become humanized to a very real degree thanks to glimpses into some of their more sensitive and personal moments.

When films like The Iron Claw demonstrate similar themes and feelings through its seemingly invincible protagonists, it makes them more relatable, and it helps provide people with a form of much-needed reprieve.

While most people can’t relate to the feeling of winning a world championship, they can relate to feeling insecure, uncertain about their futures, etc., so when films like The Iron Claw demonstrate similar themes and feelings through its seemingly invincible protagonists, it makes them more relatable, and it helps provide people with a form of much-needed reprieve. While The Smashing Machine is great for the film industry, it’s also a great move for Johnson, as it will more than likely provide him with the perfect opportunity to truly demonstrate his acting range.

The Smashing Machine Is A Great Career Move For Dwayne Johnson

It provides him with an opportunity to demonstrate his acting range.

Despite his worldwide popularity, Johnson’s more recent movies have been critical and commercial failures. Many of Johnson’s movies are often formulaic and predictable, lacking in humor, and see him playing what is essentially the same character again and again. While Johnson has an undeniable screen presence, the last ten years of his career have largely felt like one big sequel to the same movie. A slow-burn biographical drama that will no doubt give him an opportunity to demonstrate his dramatic acting chops is perpetually more exciting than another tentpole, and it could see a new career trajectory for him.

Furthermore, Johnson has demonstrated with many of the films in his early career the ability to commit to a role that doesn’t necessarily highlight the best traits of his persona. The Rundown, Walk Tall, Be Cool, Gridiron Gang, Faster, and Snitch have given audiences a view into what Johnson’s career could look like if he were to focus his efforts on more challenging work. Moreover, former wrestlers, like Dave Bautista and John Cena have demonstrated a balance of self-aware comedic roles with compelling drama. With The Smashing Machine on the way, it could mark an interesting career for Dwayne Johnson.