Christopher Nolan Calls Dwayne Johnson’s Performance in ‘The Smashing Machine’ One of the Best of the Year
In a surprising and heartfelt tribute, acclaimed director Christopher Nolan praised Dwayne Johnson’s acting in the documentary-style film The Smashing Machine. Although the movie didn’t make waves at the box office, Nolan says Johnson’s portrayal of UFC fighter Mark Kerr is truly exceptional — one of the best performances you’ll see this year.
Nolan’s Unexpected Praise for Johnson’s Acting
During a recent interview on The Director’s Cut podcast, hosted by Benny Safdie (director of The Smashing Machine), Christopher Nolan didn’t hold back his admiration. He described Johnson’s role as “heartbreaking” and “incredible,” saying it’s a standout performance that deserves more recognition.
“I don’t think you’ll see a better performance this year or most other years,” Nolan said, highlighting how deeply the role impacted him.
A Meeting of Two Different Worlds
While Nolan and Johnson haven’t worked together on a project yet, they’ve often spoken highly of each other’s work. Nolan is a fan of the Fast & Furious movies, where Johnson plays a major role. On the flip side, Johnson has praised Nolan’s Oppenheimer, calling watching it in IMAX an “amazing” experience.
Their mutual respect shows how artists from very different genres and styles can appreciate each other’s craft.
Behind the Scenes: Nolan’s Chat with Benny Safdie
The podcast also gave listeners a glimpse into how The Smashing Machine came about. Benny Safdie revealed he was developing the movie while working on Oppenheimer. There was a funny moment when Nolan joked about Safdie trying to recruit actors from the Oppenheimer set.
“I heard a rumor that when you were supposed to be learning your lines on my set, you were actually canvassing people to be in your movie,” Nolan said with a smile. Safdie admitted he approached Emily Blunt during an Oppenheimer Q&A, which led to her involvement.
Nolan’s Support for Safdie’s Work
Nolan didn’t just praise Johnson — he also complimented Safdie’s film. He called it “remarkable” and “radical,” saying that The Smashing Machine will be better appreciated with time. Nolan expressed pride in knowing Safdie and his work, underscoring the director’s bold approach to filmmaking.
Why This Praise Matters
Dwayne Johnson is best known for his action-packed roles and charismatic screen presence. For Nolan, a director known for cerebral and complex films, to highlight Johnson’s performance in a raw, emotional sports documentary is notable.
This recognition may encourage more viewers to revisit The Smashing Machine and appreciate Johnson’s range as an actor beyond blockbuster hits.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Johnson and Nolan?
Though they haven’t collaborated yet, fans are curious if this mutual admiration will lead to a future project together. Both are powerhouses in their fields — Johnson with his versatility and star power, Nolan with his visionary storytelling.
Whatever happens, this moment of praise is a reminder that great performances and creative work transcend genres and box office numbers.
Conclusion
Christopher Nolan’s glowing praise of Dwayne Johnson’s performance in The Smashing Machine shines a new light on a film that flew under the radar. His comments invite audiences to look deeper and recognize the emotional depth Johnson brought to the role of Mark Kerr.
With both artists continuing to make waves in their own ways, this story is a fascinating glimpse into how talent and respect cross paths in unexpected ways.