The Rock receives a 15-minute ovation at the premiere of The Smashing Machine

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson couldn't hold back the tears at the world premiere of The Smashing Machine, held this Monday, September 1st at the Venice Film Festival. The film, produced by A24, was met with a standing ovation of over 15 minutes, one of the longest of this edition, deeply moving the former WWE champion.

The audience's reaction was reminiscent of Brendan Fraser's in 2021 with The Whale, also at Venice. Johnson, attending the festival for the first time, was approachable with fans on the red carpet, signing autographs and taking photos. Before the screening began, an attendee shouted his classic phrase "Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?!", eliciting laughter from the protagonist.

The Smashing Machine shows a very different side of Johnson, far from his usual action films and family-friendly movies. The film tells the real-life story of Mark Kerr, a legend of MMA and UFC, in his struggle against addictions, the pressures of fame, and his personal relationships during the peak of his career. Kerr himself was present at the screening.

The film also marks the solo directorial debut of Benny Safdie. Johnson shares the screen with Emily Blunt, who portrays Dawn Staples, Kerr's partner at that time. The cast is rounded out by Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk. According to critics, both Johnson and Blunt deliver performances that could put them in the running for an Oscar.

The evening was particularly emotional when the lights came on and Johnson, Blunt, Safdie, and Kerr embraced in front of an enthusiastic audience. Among the attendees were celebrities like Seth Rogen, who documented the day from the press conference to the screening.

The Rock, away from WWE

One detail that didn't go unnoticed among fans was Johnson's physical transformation. The actor appeared in Venice with a much more streamlined and less muscular physique than he used to display during his time in the ring. This transformation, in line with the dramatic tone of his new role, has led many to believe that an immediate return to WWE seems increasingly unlikely.