Why Dwayne Johnson’s Dad Changed His Life

Dwayne Johnson Shares the Deep Meaning Behind ‘The Smashing Machine’

Dwayne Johnson, known for his roles in action-packed films and his charismatic personality, has always been more than just a movie star. His recent film, The Smashing Machine, holds a special place in his heart. This biographical movie about former MMA fighter Mark Kerr was not just another project for him—it was a deeply personal journey.

At the Golden Globes 2026, hosted by Nikki Glaser, Dwayne opened up about the significance of the film. "Over the past decade and a half, I’ve lost 15 friends to addiction and to suicide," he told Zuri Hall on LIVE from E!: Golden Globes 2026. "And in a way, The Smashing Machine was a love letter to them, and also a love letter to those who are still here but still fighting. And if you’re struggling with addiction, struggling with mental health, or if you love someone who’s struggling with addiction like I did, then stay in the fight, because on another side of that struggle is some sort of grace."

This film also helped Dwayne gain a new perspective on his own father. "What the film pushed me to do was to be radically empathetic to those who are struggling, because I had a complicated relationship with the human being who struggled with addiction, and that’s my dad," he explained. "He’s no longer here, and he struggled with his addictions."

A New Challenge for Dwayne Johnson

For Dwayne, The Smashing Machine was more than just a role—it was a challenge. "It was really less about showing other people this side of me, and more so doing it for myself and wanting to challenge myself," he said. "I’ve had this incredible career that I’ve been so lucky to have—we all work hard, we want to put out the best work, but I wanted something that made me uncomfortable, and I hadn’t been uncomfortable in some time."

This serious role marked a departure from his usual action-packed performances. The Moana star was nominated for Best Male Actor, Motion Picture Drama at the Golden Globes, alongside his costar Emily Blunt, who received a nomination for Best Supporting Female Actor.

A Stunning Red Carpet Appearance

On the night of the Golden Globes, Dwayne made a striking appearance in a classic tuxedo, with his wife Lauren Hashian by his side. She dazzled in a golden gown, adding to the glamour of the evening. (See every star here.)

A Powerful Collaboration

The film The Smashing Machine has been praised as one of Dwayne’s most moving projects to date, with Emily Blunt receiving equal acclaim for her portrayal of Mark’s wife, Dawn Staples.

As Dwayne faced fierce competition at the awards, including Joel Edgerton, Oscar Isaac, Michael B. Jordan, Wagner Moura, and Jeremy Allen White, he remained focused on the experience rather than the outcome. "Whether I leave the Beverly Hilton with a trophy or no, I’m already a winner through the friendship I and Emily—who previously worked together on The Jungle Cruise—have only further cemented in this more recent collaboration."

A Bond That Shaped the Film

From the very beginning of filming, Dwayne felt a strong connection with Emily. "Probably the first weekend after the long work week that we had, I began to feel like, ‘OK, I think we’re on to something here,’" he shared with E! News in September. "It helps, obviously, that we’ve known each other for such a long time. The relationship between Mark and Dawn became cohesive right away."

"The most gratifying experience I’ve ever had in my life and in my career," Dwayne added, before qualifying, "separate from, of course, my babies being born, being a dad."

Emily Blunt’s Impressive Transformation

Emily Blunt described the experience on set as “heaven,” and she remains impressed by Dwayne’s transformation into Mark. "To see Dwayne come in as Mark for the first time in the camera test and see not just a physical shift, an entire demeanor shape shift—it was spooky to be honest and so exciting."

For more from the Golden Globes carpet, read on.