The Brief

Dwayne Johnson plays UFC legend Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

The film, directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Emily Blunt, is already drawing Oscar buzz for Johnson’s transformation.

"The Smashing Machine" will open in North American theaters on Oct. 3.

Dwayne Johnson is stepping outside his usual blockbuster lane for a dramatic new role as UFC fighter Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine." The film had its world premiere Monday at the Venice Film Festival, drawing strong early reactions and Oscar speculation.

Johnson, long associated with action and comedy films, said before the premiere that he had been searching for a project that would push him further as an actor.

"I have for a long time wanted this," Johnson said. "

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