Fortress of Solitude
FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
  • Movies
  • TV
  • Anime
  • Gaming
  • Tech
  • Win
No Result
View All Result
POPULAR
  • DC
  • Marvel
  • Superman
  • Batman
  • Star Wars
  • Horror
  • Sci-Fi
  • Netflix
FOLLOW US
Newsletter
Fortress of Solitude
FORTRESS
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • DC
  • Marvel
  • Superman
  • Batman
  • Star Wars
  • Horror
  • Sci-Fi
  • Netflix
Home Movies Movie News

The Smashing Machine Trailer Proves Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Can Actually Act

Yes, you read that right. The Rock can act. Like, really act.

Jarrod SaundersbyJarrod Saunders
April 29, 2025
0
The Smashing Machine Trailer Dwayne The Rock Johnson

Image Credit: A24

For years, Dwayne Johnson has been Hollywood’s most reliable walking bicep. He’s fought earthquakes, jungles, gorillas, and logic. He’s headlined everything from G.I. Joe: Retaliation to Moana, Central Intelligence, and Baywatch. He even made us believe in the emotional range of a guy who wears the same khaki shirt in every movie. But for all his box office dominance, critics (and let’s be honest, the internet) haven’t let up on one thing: he always plays Dwayne Johnson playing someone else. Until now. Enter The Smashing Machine—a gritty A24 biopic that somehow manages to include The Rock, prosthetics, wigs, and still be taken seriously.

Directed by Benny Safdie (yes, the Uncut Gems guy, now flying solo), the film tells the story of Mark Kerr, a UFC legend whose career from 1997 to 2009 was as brutal as it was tragic. If you watched HBO’s 2002 documentary of the same name, you’ll know this isn’t just another sports movie. It’s messy, it’s human, and—this is where things get weird—it might just earn The Rock some awards buzz.

The Smashing Machine Trailer Dwayne The Rock Johnson Movie
Image Credit: A24

Is Dwayne Johnson seriously gunning for an Oscar with The Smashing Machine? Very possibly. He’s said as much in interviews, telling Variety that he’s done being the indestructible tough guy. He wants roles that “explore humanity and struggle and pain.” That’s a far cry from tossing helicopters with one arm.

So what’s different this time? For starters, there’s Safdie, a director who made Adam Sandler cry on screen without it being played for laughs. Then there’s the cast: Emily Blunt (always a win), UFC fighter Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk. And yes, Johnson has actual prosthetics on his face and a very un-Rock wig. He looks… different. Vulnerable, even.

Is it still kind of The Rock playing a wrestler? Technically, yes. But this time, he’s playing a fighter with a deeply flawed, spiraling life—not one saving the world with eyebrow raises.

Will it work? Time will tell. But if The Smashing Machine pulls it off, Dwayne Johnson might finally get people to stop talking about his shirt. And that, friends, would be his biggest flex yet.

The Smashing Machine could be the film that changes everything for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. And we’re ready for it.

RELATED: The Rock as the Terminator? Here’s Why It Actually Makes Sense

The Smashing Machine arrives in movie theaters on October 3. Watch the trailer below.

YouTube video
Tags: A24Dwayne JohnsonMovie Trailer
ShareTweetShareSend

About the Author: Jarrod Saunders

Jarrod Saunders is a Cape Town-based creative and founder of Fortress of Solitude, with over 20 years in film, gaming, and pop culture. He’s directed award-winning movies, built entertainment sites, and somehow still finds time to watch 500 films a year. Also: sneakerhead and part-time superhero.

Related Posts

Wuthering Heights movie Margot Robbie
Movie News

“Not My Wuthering Heights” – Fans Blast Movie Trailer for Whitewashing & Over-Sexualizing Characters

September 4, 2025
Dwayne Johnson Tears Oscar The Smashing Machine
Movie News

Dwayne Johnson In Tears As He Realizes He Could Win An Oscar For The Smashing Machine

September 2, 2025
Ne Zha 2
Movie News

China’s Biggest Movie Of All Time Has A Record Low Opening In The US

August 25, 2025

MOST READ

Task Thuso Mbedu Interview
Trending

Interview: Task’s Thuso Mbedu Discusses Working With Mark Ruffalo and What Makes This HBO Crime Drama Special

August 28, 2025
The Village M Night Shyamalan Best Movie
Movie News

M. Night Shyamalan Says Test Audiences Called His Original Version Of The Village Their “Favorite Movie Of All Time”

August 28, 2025
Darren Aronofsky R-Rated Batman Joaquin Phoenix
Movie News

Darren Aronofsky Finally Explains Why His R-Rated Batman Movie With Joaquin Phoenix Never Happened

August 27, 2025
Tyler Hoechlin Batman
Movie News

Tyler Hoechlin Wants To Play Batman In James Gunn’s DCU

August 26, 2025
Fortress of Solitude

© 2025 Fortress of Solitude, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

More about Fortress of Solitude

  • About Us
  • Contact Fortress of Solitude
  • Work With Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • Publishing Principles
  • Ethics Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Ownership
  • Privacy Policy & Site Disclaimer

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
SUBSCRIBE
  • MOVIES
    • Movie Features
    • Movie Lists
    • Movie News
    • Movie Reviews
  • TV
    • TV Features
    • TV Lists
    • TV News
    • TV Series Reviews
  • ANIME
    • Anime Features
    • Anime Lists
  • COMICS
    • Comic Features
    • Comic Lists
  • GAMING
    • Gaming Features
    • Gaming Lists
    • Gaming News
    • Game Reviews
  • TECH
    • Tech Features
    • Tech News
    • Tech Reviews
  • INTERVIEWS
  • WEB STORIES
  • ABOUT US
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Ownership
    • Work With Us
  • WIN

© 2025 Fortress of Solitude, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.