Dwayne Johnson isn’t just acting tough in The Smashing Machine. The film’s director, Benny Safdi e, said on Logan Paul ‘s podcast that one important fight sequence required Johnson to take a full hit from a professional fighter in order to convey the brutal reality of UFC fights. The combination of method acting and real combat resulted in a scene where cinematic illusion gave way to raw physicality.

Safdie explained that the film’s fight sequences were supposed to look authentic while being safe, but some shots required Johnson to truly feel what his character, Mark Kerr , experienced. “There’s only so much you can hide with the camera,” Safdie said, revealing how specific angles helped them choreograph punches, takedowns, and blows effectively.

However, in one scene, Benny Saf

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