Dwayne Johnson, known widely as “The Rock,” has revealed that he drew on personal past traumas to embody the character of MMA star Mark Kerr in the upcoming film, The Smashing Machine. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Johnson described the process as both “scary” and “freeing,” emphasizing the emotional depth required for the role.
Johnson, 53, acknowledged that portraying Kerr, who struggled with addiction and personal demons, compelled him to confront memories he had not previously explored on camera. “You have to be willing to tap into all the stuff that you’ve gone through,” he stated. “This was stuff that I had not explored on camera or otherwise. I’m not a big therapy person, even though I’m an advocate for whatever it is you need. I found it so scary, but also, so nourishing and freeing. I ripped it open.”
Resonating Personal Experiences
The narrative of The Smashing Machine chronicles Kerr’s ascent in the mixed martial arts world and his battle with substance abuse. Johnson, who formed a friendship with Kerr during his wrestling career, shared how the story struck a chord with him. He reflected on the losses he faced, stating, “I lost a lot of my friends to addiction and to suicide—in the late ’90s, early-to-mid 2000s, there were a lot of untimely, very early deaths.”
Taking on such a challenging role brought about a wave of nerves for the actor. Johnson admitted, “I had not experienced that in a very, very, very long time, where I was really scared and thinking, I don’t know if I can do this. Can I do this?” He came to realize that opportunities to explore these complex themes might have previously eluded him due to his fears.
Finding Joy Amid Challenges
In addition to this intense preparation for his role, Johnson has also shared insights into his approach to handling life’s difficulties. In a conversation with Extra, he discussed his strategy for navigating “screwy or wobbly” moments. He emphasized the importance of focusing on positive aspects despite challenges: “I think, trying to find joy around every corner, even if things are a little screwy or wobbly, maybe in real life.”
Johnson elaborated on his tendency to acknowledge life’s complications without ignoring them. “I know funky things are going on and I’m dealing with it, but let me try and find a place over here where I can be happy or smile,” he said. This philosophy of seeking joy has helped him manage the not-so-joyous aspects of life.
The release of The Smashing Machine is scheduled for October 2023, and as Johnson prepares to share this poignant story, his willingness to confront his past may resonate with audiences facing their own struggles.
