Dwayne Johnson’s “Smashing Machine” Premiere at Venice Draws Long Standing Ovation

The Venice Film Festival offered one of its most talked-about moments today as Dwayne Johnson, known around the world as The Rock, stepped onto the red carpet for the premiere of his latest film The Smashing Machine. Directed by Benny Safdie, the movie has been generating excitement for months, and the world premiere at the Sala Grande theatre confirmed that anticipation was well placed.

As the credits rolled, the packed audience rose to their feet, applauding Johnson and the film with an ovation that stretched well beyond the usual festival response. The standing applause lasted several minutes, filling the historic venue with waves of appreciation. Johnson, visibly emotional, stood alongside Safdie and the cast, exchanging heartfelt embraces and bowing to the crowd. He later described the moment as one of the most meaningful experiences of his career.

The Smashing Machine dives deep into the extraordinary yet turbulent life of Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion who also faced personal struggles outside of the spotlight. The story balances the intensity of mixed martial arts with the vulnerabilities of a man navigating fame, addiction, and identity. For Johnson, who has long been associated with larger-than-life action roles, portraying Kerr represents a dramatic shift. His performance, filled with both physical intensity and layered emotion, has already begun to spark awards season speculation.

Critics present at the screening praised Johnson’s transformation, noting his ability to convey the raw humanity behind Kerr’s triumphs and failures. The film avoids glorifying the sport and instead focuses on the human cost of a relentless career, showing both the victories in the cage and the battles fought in private. Safdie’s direction has been described as intimate and unflinching, creating a portrait that feels both cinematic and deeply personal.

In interviews following the premiere, Johnson spoke about the challenges of preparing for the role. He immersed himself in Kerr’s world, training extensively and working closely with the real-life fighter to capture his spirit authentically. “This film is more than just a story about fighting,” Johnson shared. “It’s about resilience, about the struggles we often hide, and about finding strength in the most vulnerable parts of ourselves.”

The reception at Venice suggests that The Smashing Machine could become one of the defining films of the year. The Venice Film Festival has long been a launching pad for critically acclaimed films, and Johnson’s latest project fits neatly into that tradition. For Johnson, who has already achieved global stardom through wrestling, blockbuster franchises, and entrepreneurship, this role signals a new chapter in his artistic journey.

As the festival continues, the buzz around The Smashing Machine shows no signs of slowing down. With its emotional storytelling, Johnson’s transformative performance, and Safdie’s bold vision, the film is expected to generate strong conversation as it moves into wider release later this year. For audiences who have followed Johnson’s career, this moment at Venice represents both a celebration of his past achievements and a thrilling glimpse into his future as an actor willing to take risks and embrace unexpected roles.