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Johnson and Blunt Reunite for MMA Drama 'The Smashing Machine' Premiere

23-09-2025


Hollywood stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt brought glamour to Berlin for the European premiere of 'The Smashing Machine' on September 22, 2025. The event at Berlin's Zoo Palast featured both actors walking the red carpet, with Blunt attracting particular attention for her fashion choice—a shimmering pink gown made from multi-layered tulle and recycled beige sequins. This marks the second collaboration between Johnson and Blunt following their work together on 'Jungle Cruise'.

The film, directed by Benny Safdie, presents a dramatic departure for Johnson from his typical action-hero roles. He delivers what critics are calling his most transformative performance as real-life MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The movie explores Kerr's personal struggles with addiction and the intense demands of elite combat sports, showcasing Johnson in a vulnerable and emotionally raw portrayal that represents a significant career milestone.

Emily Blunt's role in the film centers on her character's complex relationship with Kerr, described as moving between emotional dependency and manipulation. The dynamic between the two characters serves as a central pillar of the drama, with Blunt's performance adding depth to the story of an athlete battling personal demons both inside and outside the fighting cage. The Berlin premiere highlighted the strong chemistry between the co-stars, who previously demonstrated their on-screen partnership in their earlier film collaboration.

Following the Berlin event, Johnson and director Benny Safdie are scheduled to continue the promotional tour with an appearance in Mexico on October 7. The film, which had its debut at the Venice Film Festival, is set for general release on October 9. 'The Smashing Machine' examines the cultural contrasts between American and Japanese fighting environments while telling the story of an athlete's journey through personal crisis toward redemption.