Dwayne Johnson: 'The Smashing Machine' changed my life in many ways
Mumbai, May 18
Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has discussed 'The Smashing Machine' and said the biographical sports drama film has changed his life in many ways.
Since the film has been released in Japan, Johnson said that shooting the movie in the Land of the Rising Sun instilled a deeper appreciation and curiosity for Japanese culture.
He shared a poster of the film and wrote: "Very cool (and wild) news but true - THE SMASHING MACHINE has just been released in theaters in JAPAN this weekend! (streaming will be available after the theatrical run)."
"Every country around the world has their own distribution rights and Japan's theatrical window was always scheduled for May 2026."
Johnson shared that he embodied the Japanese culture and applied it to his own lifestyle.
"I'm absolutely thrilled Japanese fans can finally see, our film - Smashing Machine changed my life in many ways, and the time I spent in Japan filming our movie, instilled a deeper appreciation and curiosity for Japanese culture, that I ultimately began to embody and apply to my own lifestyle."
He added: "Japan ~ enjoy The Smashing Machine and I'll see you THIS JULY when I return to your island nation."
The Smashing Machine has Johnson playing a former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, alongside Emily Blunt as Kerr's girlfriend, with Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten and Oleksandr Usyk in supporting roles.
The Smashing Machine premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, where it won the Silver Lion. The film told the true story of mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr, whose obsession with greatness made him a legend -- and nearly cost him everything.
He will next be seen in the live action version of Moana. The film was directed by Thomas Kail. It stars Johnson and Catherine Laga'aia.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The Smashing Machine sounds like a powerful story! These US actors really invest themselves in roles, unlike our Bollywood stars who sometimes just wear makeup and call it a day. But srsly, why is the Japan release so far ahead? Indian fans should get to stream this soon too!
Great to see an Indian perspective on this! Japan-India cultural exchange is so important - we both have ancient traditions. Johnson's appreciation for Japanese culture resonates with me as a yoga practitioner who follows Indian philosophy. The film industry needs more such cross-cultural storytelling.
Honestly, why does Johnson only visit Japan in July? Come to India too bro! 😄 Our wrestling heritage is massive - from dangal to WWE. The Smashing Machine might teach our filmmakers how to make a sports drama without item numbers. But on a serious note, glad he found purpose through the film.
The Rock talking about personal transformation through art is beautiful. MMA fighters like Mark Kerr have such intense stories - it reminds me of our Indian wrestlers who also struggle with obsession. Emily Blunt as his girlfriend? That's a solid casting choice. Can't wait for the streaming release!
Johnson's curiosity about Japanese culture is a lesson in humility. Many Western stars come to India but don't really absorb our culture. That said, The Smashing Machine being about a fighter's addiction to greatness is relatable - our cricket heroes face similar pressures. The Silver Lion recognition is well-deserved.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.