In a recent appearance on The Director’s Cut podcast, visionary filmmaker Christopher Nolan praised Dwayne Johnson for what he called the most powerful performance of 2025 — and possibly of many other years too.
Nolan, known for directing Oppenheimer, described Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, in The Smashing Machine as deeply emotional and “heartbreaking.” The filmmaker said, “It’s an incredible performance. I don’t think you’ll see a better performance this year or most other years.”
During the podcast, Nolan joined Benny Safdie, who directed The Smashing Machine. He commended Safdie for creating what he termed a “remarkable and radical” film, adding that the project will be increasingly understood and appreciated with time. “Congratulations on the movie,” Nolan said. “It’s a truly remarkable piece of work, and I’m proud to know you.”
Nolan and Safdie previously collaborated on Oppenheimer, where Safdie played Edward Teller, the theoretical physicist often referred to as the “father of the hydrogen bomb.” Safdie later cast Emily Blunt, who portrayed Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer in Nolan’s film, as Dawn Staples, the wife of Dwayne Johnson’s character in The Smashing Machine.
Playfully, Nolan joked about Safdie recruiting cast members on the set of Oppenheimer, saying he was unaware that Safdie was planning another film at the time.
The Smashing Machine follows the turbulent life of Mark Kerr, a celebrated MMA fighter battling professional highs and personal lows. Despite its modest box office numbers — opening at $5.9 million and earning $10 million domestically against a $50 million budget — the film has been praised for Johnson’s raw and transformative performance, marking a significant departure from his typical blockbuster roles.
Fans and critics alike have noted that the movie showcases a more vulnerable and grounded side of Dwayne Johnson, one that even seasoned filmmakers like Christopher Nolan consider “unforgettable.”