Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Benny Safdie Boost Josh Brolin's 'Smashing Machine'
Emily Blunt shared why she cried the first time she saw Dwayne Johnson portray Mark Kerr in the campaign for Oscar recognition of The Smashing Machine. Despite disappointing box office numbers, Benny Safdie’s film still has strong supporters. A24 is confidently pursuing its awards season potential.
Q&A Event with Josh Brolin
On Tuesday night, Josh Brolin traveled from Santa Barbara to the Academy’s Lynwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood to moderate an engaging Q&A with Safdie and stars Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. Brolin is also a fan of the film.
“Insightful,” “Smart, Funny, Easy To Digest, And Always Newsworthy,” “Always Informative And Honest.”
About the Film
Set mainly in the early 2000s, The Smashing Machine features Johnson as Mark Kerr, an influential UFC fighter who challenges typical stereotypes. Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr's wife at the time, who struggles with her own personal challenges.
Awards and Reception
Following its premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, Safdie won the Best Director award for The Smashing Machine. The Q&A atmosphere reflected genuine admiration among participants.
Connections Among the Cast
- Brolin and Johnson, longtime friends, have not yet worked together on screen.
- Brolin appeared with Blunt in Sicario.
- Blunt and Johnson previously starred together in Jungle Cruise.
Author’s summary: The Smashing Machine, while underperforming commercially, garners critical acclaim, highlighted by strong performances, awards buzz, and enthusiastic support from its cast and fans.