Benny Safdie Says Extras Didn’t Recognize Dwayne Johnson in Makeup on ‘The Smashing Machine’ Set

Dwayne Johnson might be the most physically recognizable movie star in the world. But his turn as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s upcoming A24 film “The Smashing Machine” could see the wrestler-turned-actor do something that has evaded him until now: disappear into a role.

In a new interview with GQ, Johnson reflected on the intense makeup process that allowed him to alter his appearance for the role. He explained that losing the distinctive tattoos and bald head gave him the freedom to be somebody other than himself.

“I look what I look like,” Johnson said. “I am what I am. There is no: ‘Oh, Rock is just gonna disappear.’ You know what I mean? However, to be able to do that in ‘Smashing Machine,‘ with the greatest of makeup artists — in a way, it was really freeing for me.”

Safdie recalled that Johnson’s transformation was so striking that some of the film‘s extras didn’t recognize him on set.

“It was just funny because I remember him walking around and you’d hear people saying, ‘When’s The Rock going to get here? I wonder when he’s going to get here,’” Safdie said. “You’d hear all these people talking, and meanwhile he’s walking amongst them.”

Safdie added that this transformation is proof that Johnson is a more serious artist who deserves some more credit.

“You really understand the fears, the love, the sadness, the happiness,” Safdie said. “If somebody’s open to doing that and talking about that stuff, then they’re going to be able to give a great performance. Because of how physically strong he is, I don’t know if a lot of people give him that opportunity.”

Johnson also teased that “The Smashing Machine” won’t be the last creative risk he takes, and though he hasn’t sworn off blockbusters, another reunion with Safdie or A24 could always be something the Rock is cooking.

“It’s such a psychological thing here,” Johnson said. “But you know, from the moment I walk out of my house, I can’t hide. But in a way, when I could disappear in a movie like ‘Smashing Machine,’ and some of the other things now that we’re developing, where it will allow me to disappear, with a Benny again or an A24… Man, I love it.”

An A24 release, “The Smashing Machine” is set to open in theaters in 2025.