Dwayne Johnson Transforms Voice for Role in 'The Smashing Machine'

What's Happening?

Dwayne Johnson, known for his action-packed roles, has taken on a new challenge by transforming his voice for his latest film, 'The Smashing Machine.' In this movie, Johnson portrays former UFC star Mark Kerr, a role that required him to modulate his voice to match Kerr's soft-spoken nature. Johnson collaborated with voice coach Liz Himelstein to achieve this transformation, which involved speaking from a different part of his throat. The film, directed by Benny Safdie, is currently screening at international film festivals and is set for a North American release on October 3. Johnson's dedication to capturing Kerr's essence extended beyond voice modulation, as he also underwent extensive prosthetic routines and gained weight to match Kerr's unique physique.

Why It's Important?

Johnson's role in 'The Smashing Machine' marks a significant departure from his typical action hero persona, showcasing his versatility as an actor. This transformation could potentially open doors for Johnson to take on more diverse and challenging roles in the future. The film itself, focusing on the life of UFC legend Mark Kerr, highlights the complexities of athletes' lives beyond their public personas, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the personal struggles and triumphs faced by sports figures. Johnson's performance has already garnered positive reviews, indicating that the film could be a contender in upcoming award seasons.

What's Next?

With the film's North American release scheduled for October 3, audiences will soon have the opportunity to see Johnson's transformation firsthand. The film's reception could influence Johnson's future career choices, potentially leading to more roles that require deep character exploration. Additionally, the film's success could spark renewed interest in biographical sports dramas, encouraging filmmakers to explore similar narratives.