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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was visibly emotional at the world premiere of his new movie The Smashing Machine at the Venice Film Festival. The film received a thunderous response, including a rare 15-minute standing ovation, leaving the Hollywood star in tears.
Afterward, The Rock shared his thoughts on Instagram. “I feel like dreams are something we can contextualize. We imagine things and scenarios in our minds. This was far beyond my imagination and something my heart had a hard time comprehending,” he wrote. He added that the response touched everyone involved in the project, including Benny Safdie, Emily, and Mark Kerr.
Directed by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine tells the story of former UFC fighter Mark Kerr. Johnson underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, moving away from his usual muscular build. The Venice screening showed just how much the film resonated with audiences, with applause lasting for 15 minutes. Fans and critics praised The Rock’s dedication and the courage it took to step into a different version of himself, both physically and emotionally.
For years, The Rock has been known for his iconic muscular physique from his WWE and Hollywood days. For this film, he slimmed down, surprising many fans and signaling a departure from his wrestling persona. While speculation grows that he may not return to WWE, Johnson has not completely ruled it out. For now, his focus is on acting and telling powerful stories like The Smashing Machine, which has already made a strong impression.