Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has expressed his desire to take on more dramatic roles, saying he would like to appear in films that explore “the struggle [и] pain”.
Benny Safdie’s upcoming A24 film Crash Machine is touted as Johnson’s “most dramatic project and role yet” as he plays MMA champion Mark Kerr. The film will chronicle Kerr’s ups and downs in the UFC, including his “battle with addiction” – and with this role Johnson hopes to break out of his established action genre.
I’m at a point in my career where I want to go places I haven’t taken steps before. I’m at the point in my career where I want to do films that matter, explore humanity, struggle [и] pain
I want to be clear that this does not mean a move away from big-budget films for mainstream audiences. I love shooting them and they have great value and importance, but there is a time and place for them. I’m at a point in my career where I need more. And I don’t mean more box office. I mean more humanity. That’s why Benny Safdie is the perfect partner for me.
Working with A24 is a little outside of Johnson’s usual blockbuster repertoire, although the wrestler-turned-actor should feel right at home considering who he’s playing and the MMA lifestyle he’s been a part of. It’s also a film he’s clearly passionate about—Johnson has been working on it since Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights in 2019.
At the same time, The Rock continues to star in blockbusters – sequels to Red Notice, Jungle Cruise and Fast and Furious X are in various stages of development or production.
