Dwayne Johnson and director Benny Safdie celebrated the red carpet debut of their new film, “The Smashing Machine,” in Los Angeles. During the event, the duo also revealed plans for their next collaboration: an adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater’s novel, “Lizard Music.” This upcoming project will see Johnson take on the role of a 75-year-old man whose best friend is a chicken of the same age.

For his role in “Lizard Music,” Johnson has undergone a significant physical transformation, losing a considerable amount of weight after gaining 30 pounds for “The Smashing Machine.” He commented on his dieting efforts, expressing happiness at not carrying the extra weight and being able to “tuck in my shirt now,” adding, “I don’t look pregnant so it’s all good.” He likened his current physique to “Clint Eastwood at 75,” emphasizing a lean, sinewy look that “feels good.”

“The Smashing Machine,” written and directed by Safdie, stars Johnson as Mark Kerr, a prominent champion during the early days of MMA fighting. The film chronicles Kerr's career comeback following his battle with substance abuse. Emily Blunt plays his longtime girlfriend, Dawn Staples, in the drama.

Emily Blunt shared her powerful reaction to seeing Johnson’s transformation into Mark Kerr on set, recalling that “’Holy shit,’ is what went through my head.” She described herself as being “really staggered by it,” noting that the change “changed the air in the room” and made “everyone just went very quiet.” Blunt characterized the transformation as akin to “water in the desert,” calling it “so magical.”

After filming the intense and darker scenes for “The Smashing Machine,” Blunt mentioned that she and Johnson would decompress by having a drink together. She specifically recalled, “There was tequila on set,” adding with a smile, “I love tequila. I need it.”

Beyond their current projects, both Blunt and Johnson expressed readiness to embark on new adventures. A sequel to their 2021 action-adventure film “Jungle Cruise” had been announced shortly after the original crossed $100 million at the domestic box office. Blunt eagerly stated at the premiere, “I feel like we gotta do something else now. I’m like, ‘What else?’ Call Disney. Get us back on that boat.” Johnson enthusiastically agreed, adding, “We’re calling those guys tonight. We had so much fun.”

The L.A. premiere of A24’s “The Smashing Machine” was held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California, on September 29, 2025. Notable attendees included Benny Safdie, Emily Blunt, Dwayne Johnson, Mark Kerr, Ryan Bader, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Kazu Hiro, Terry Crews, Isaiah Crews, Bob Odenkirk, and Bill Bellamy.