Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Reflects on ‘The Smashing Machine,’ Mental Health, and Future Political Aspirations
In a candid interview, Dwayne Johnson discussed his role in the film The Smashing Machine, the pressures of success, and addressed ongoing speculation about a potential presidential run. The actor revealed a deep connection to the film’s themes of pressure and survival, drawing parallels to the experiences of his friend and fellow fighter, Mark Kerr.
Johnson’s insights come as conversations around mental health in high-performance environments gain prominence, and as his name continues to surface in discussions about potential candidates for future presidential elections. The interview, featured on Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, offers a rare glimpse into the actor’s personal reflections on navigating intense pressure and the importance of empathy.
“This movie gave me a place to put all that stuff. I don’t know if its method – whatever it is - I went for it,” Johnson said, describing his immersive approach to portraying the complexities of the fighting world. He spoke poignantly about Kerr’s struggles, noting, “He OD’d twice. He’s still hear. I coudl talk to him: ‘Hey man, what were you thinking?’ And he’d say, ‘I never lost.’ But the truth is, the win became the enemy. The pressure became toxic. The movie isn’t about winning or losing. it’s about pressure – and how we survive it.”
Johnson shared a recent lesson from his uncle, offering a message of hope amid global uncertainty: “It’s going to be okay.We’re going to be okay.” he also highlighted a term coined by a colleague during filming, “radical empathy,” explaining, “If you can feel empathy for someone who looks invincible – like Mark Kerr – then you can feel it for anyone. and once you have that, the judging starts to go away.the noise dies down.” He’s been sharing this sentiment with his daughter, Simone, as they navigate personal challenges, telling her, “It’s going to be okay.Let’s talk. We’ve got this.”
When asked directly about a potential presidential bid, Johnson responded, “It’s wild, man. I’m always honored when people ask that. I love what I do. I love storytelling. But yeah… we’ll see.”
The podcast also featured Chase Infiniti, a breakout star from Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One battle After another.” Variety’s ”Awards Circuit” podcast is hosted by Clayton Davis,jazz Tangcay,Emily Longeretta,Jenelle Riley,and Michael Schneider. It is available on Apple podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.