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 film The Smashing Machine. While the box office results were underwhelming, Benny Safdie’s film continues to find strong support. Because of this, A24 is actively pursuing awards season recognition.
On Tuesday night, Josh Brolin drove from Santa Barbara to the Academy’s Lynwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood to moderate an engaging Q&A with Safdie, Emily Blunt, and Dwayne Johnson. Brolin is clearly a fan of the film.
Critical Reception
- “Insightful”
- “Smart, Funny, Easy To Digest, And Always Newsworthy”
- “Always Informative And Honest”
The Smashing Machine is set mainly in the early 2000s. Johnson transforms into Mark Kerr, a pioneering UFC fighter who defies common stereotypes about his profession. Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife at the time, who struggles with her own personal challenges.
The film brought Benny Safdie the Best Director award at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.
Cast and Connections
The Q&A event was an affectionate gathering, with longstanding friendships evident. Although Johnson and Brolin have never acted together, Brolin appeared alongside Blunt in Sicario, and Blunt and Johnson previously starred in Jungle Cruise.
“Emily Blunt on why she cried the first time she saw Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr as the Smashing Machine duo campaign for Oscar recognition.”
Author’s summary: The film The Smashing Machine gains critical acclaim and heartfelt support from its cast, boosting its awards season hopes despite modest box office results.
Would you like the tone to be more formal or conversational?