Dwayne Johnson makes rare red-carpet appearance with Ava Raine at The Smashing Machine screening in London

Dwayne Johnson made a rare red-carpet appearance with his daughter Ava Raine at a London screening for The Smashing Machine, where he was joined by his co-star Emily Blunt. The biopic centers on former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, with Johnson portraying Kerr and Blunt taking on his then-wife Dawn Staples as the drama explores Kerr’s rise, his battles with substance abuse, and the couple’s relationship. The event highlighted Johnson’s ongoing commitment to a physically demanding transformation for the role as the film gears up for its release.

On the carpet, Johnson cut a sharp figure in a navy-blue suit paired with an open-collared white shirt. AvaRaine, listed in coverage as 24, stunned in a black strappy dress adorned with delicate floral detailing, complemented by chunky black heels and a choker. Blunt opted for a long-sleeved brown mini dress with a train, a look that stood out alongside several other attendees including Benny Safdie, Tatyanna Dumas, Jack Farthing and Jodie McCallum.

The Smashing Machine draws from John Hyams’ 2002 HBO documentary of the same name, charting Kerr’s ascent in the combat world and his ongoing personal struggles. Johnson’s preparation for the role involved a dramatic weight change, reportedly shedding about 60 pounds, aided by prosthetics and a wig to resemble the 56-year-old former college wrestler turned MMA champion. In the drama, he not only depicts Kerr’s in-ring actions but also delves into the athlete’s grappling with substance abuse and the pressures of performing at the highest level.

“This transformation was something I was really hungry to do,” Johnson told The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the screening. At a post-screening press conference, he elaborated on Kerr’s arc, framing the film as more than a fight movie. “Mark was the greatest fighter in the world at one point, but this film is not even really about fighting — it’s a love story,” he said, reflecting on Kerr and Dawn Staples’ relationship and Kerr’s deeper struggle to deliver in the ring and ultimately overcome his challenges. He noted that Kerr OD’d twice and is lucky to be alive, a reality that adds emotional weight to the production.

The Smashing Machine is slated for release on October 3, with Johnson describing the project as a labor of love that allowed him to explore a different facet of his acting range. While the film centers on Kerr’s life and redemption, the cast and crew have emphasized the human story at its core — a story of ambition, partnership, and resilience under extreme pressure.

In a broader health note connected to his career, Johnson previously discussed his commitment to holistic health on Dr. Mark Hyman’s show in June. He explained how a functional medicine approach helped address a gut-related issue, detailing how tests revealed past antibiotic use had damaged his intestinal lining. The regimen included probiotic support and plant compounds to rebuild gut health, along with a personalized shake designed to support recovery. The discussion underscored the ongoing balance Johnson maintains between demanding physical roles and his well-being, which in turn informs his preparation for projects like The Smashing Machine.

The London screening, which drew attention for the family moment and a showcase of Johnson’s transformative acting, adds to the ongoing conversation around The Smashing Machine as a project that blends high-stakes athletic drama with intimate storytelling. Viewers will later learn how Kerr’s story unfolds onscreen, a narrative Johnson has framed as both a tribute to his subject and a reflection on the price of greatness in sport.