Dwayne Johnson says 'The Smashing Machine' changed his life, film hits Japan
Synopsis
Dwayne Johnson says The Smashing Machine didn’t just earn him a Silver Lion at Venice — it reshaped how he lives. With the film now in Japanese theatres and a personal July visit to the country planned, Johnson’s bond with the project goes well beyond the screen.
Key Takeaways
The Smashing Machine released in Japanese theatres in May 2026 , with streaming to follow after the theatrical run.
Dwayne Johnson says filming in Japan gave him a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture that he has applied to his own lifestyle.
The film is based on the true story of UFC and MMA fighter Mark Kerr , directed by Thomas Kail .
It premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 1 September 2025 and won the Silver Lion .
The cast includes Emily Blunt , Ryan Bader , Bas Rutten , and Oleksandr Usyk .
Johnson is next set to appear in the live-action Moana , co-starring Catherine Laga’aia .
Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has opened up about the profound personal impact of his biographical sports drama The Smashing Machine, saying the film changed his life in more ways than one — and that filming in Japan sparked a lasting connection to Japanese culture that he has since woven into his daily lifestyle.
Japan Theatrical Release
The Smashing Machine arrived in Japanese theatres in May 2026, with streaming rights to follow after the theatrical run concludes. Johnson shared a poster of the film to mark the occasion, writing: “Very cool (and wild) news but true — THE SMASHING MACHINE has just been released in theaters in JAPAN this weekend!” He noted that Japan’s theatrical window had always been scheduled for May 2026 as part of individual country distribution arrangements.
What the Film Means to Johnson
“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,” Johnson said. He also teased a personal return to the country, adding: “Japan ~ enjoy The Smashing Machine and I’ll see you THIS JULY when I return to your island nation.”
About the Film
Directed by Thomas Kail, The Smashing Machine is based on the true story of Mark Kerr — a former amateur wrestler and UFC and MMA fighter whose relentless pursuit of greatness made him a legend in the sport but nearly cost him everything. Johnson plays Kerr, with Emily Blunt portraying Kerr’s girlfriend. The supporting cast includes Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk.
The film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 1 September 2025, where it won the prestigious Silver Lion — one of the festival’s top honours.
What’s Next for Johnson
Beyond The Smashing Machine, Johnson is set to appear in the live-action adaptation of Moana, co-starring Catherine Laga’aia. With the Japan release now underway and a July visit to the country planned, Johnson’s engagement with the film and its audience shows no sign of slowing.
Point of View
Yet it is only reaching Japan now, nearly eight months after its festival debut. That staggered rollout reflects how fragmented global distribution remains even for high-profile A-list productions. The film’s subject — an MMA fighter undone by the cost of obsession — carries a resonance that Johnson, himself a figure defined by extreme physical discipline, is clearly leaning into deliberately.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Smashing Machine about?
The Smashing Machine is a biographical sports drama based on the true story of Mark Kerr , a former amateur wrestler and UFC and MMA fighter whose obsession with greatness made him a legend but nearly destroyed him. Dwayne Johnson plays Kerr, with Emily Blunt as his girlfriend.
When did The Smashing Machine release in Japan?
The film released in Japanese theatres in May 2026 , with streaming rights to become available after the theatrical window closes. Japan’s theatrical slot had been scheduled as part of individual country distribution agreements.
Did The Smashing Machine win any awards?
Yes. The film won the Silver Lion at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival , where it premiered on 1 September 2025 . The Silver Lion is one of the festival’s top competitive honours.
Who directed The Smashing Machine?
The film was directed by Thomas Kail . The supporting cast includes Ryan Bader , Bas Rutten , and Oleksandr Usyk , alongside leads Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.
What is Dwayne Johnson’s next film after The Smashing Machine?
Johnson is next set to appear in the live-action adaptation of Moana , co-starring Catherine Laga’aia . He has also indicated he plans to visit Japan in July 2026 .
