Dwayne Johnson, known for his action-packed roles, faced his biggest challenge yet by portraying MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the film ‘The Smashing Machine.’ For the role, Johnson underwent extensive preparation, including hours of prosthetics application, to fully immerse himself in the character. The film, inspired by a 2002 documentary about Kerr, delves into his battle with addiction and his tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples, who is played by Emily Blunt. Johnson emphasized the emotional weight of the role, noting that it was the first time in years he felt truly scared about taking on a part. He credited his friendship with Blunt for creating the trust needed to portray such a vulnerable character. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is set for release in theaters on October 3.