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 as Mark Kerr in the campaign for Oscar recognition of the duo’s film, The Smashing Machine. Despite modest box office results, Benny Safdie's film maintains strong support, prompting A24 to push its awards season chances.
Josh Brolin Moderates Q&A with Cast and Director
On Tuesday night, Josh Brolin traveled from Santa Barbara to Hollywood’s Academy Lynwood Dunn Theater to host an engaging Q&A with director Benny Safdie and stars Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. Brolin himself is a fan of the film.
Critical Reception
- Insightful
- Smart, funny, easy to digest, and always newsworthy
- Always informative and honest
About the Film
Set mainly in the early 2000s, The Smashing Machine features Johnson as Mark Kerr, a pioneering UFC fighter who challenges typical stereotypes of his sport. Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife, portrayed as a woman facing her own struggles.
The film earned Safdie the Best Director award at the 2025 Venice Film Festival premiere.
Q&A Atmosphere and Cast Connections
The event was warm and celebratory. Although Johnson and Brolin, longtime friends, have never acted together on screen, Brolin appeared in Sicario with Blunt, who starred alongside Johnson in Jungle Cruise.
“Insightful,” “Smart, Funny, Easy To Digest, And Always Newsworthy,” “Always Informative And Honest”
Author’s summary: The film combines strong performances and direction, earning critical acclaim and award buzz despite modest box office returns, celebrated recently in a lively Q&A hosted by Josh Brolin.
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