Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is preparing for his most significant acting transformation yet, as he sets his sights on more serious dramatic roles. The superstar is expected to showcase his acting depth in the upcoming A24 Benny Safdie movie, "The Smashing Machine," where he will portray MMA champion Mark Kerr. This film dives into Kerr's story, including his battles within the UFC and his personal struggles with addiction.

Expressing a pivot in his vibrant career, Johnson has shown interest in not just box office successes, but roles that portray struggle, humanity, and pain. While he maintains his fondness for major, all-audience blockbusters, he also desires to push his artistic boundaries in fresh, impactful ways. Despite his focus on more dramatic work, fans can still look forward to Johnson's involvement in action-packed sequels to "Red Notice," "Jungle Cruise," and "Fast X," as well as a festive feature called "Red One," set for the holiday season on Prime Video post its theatrical release.

Is Dwayne Johnson leaving action movies for drama?

No, Dwayne Johnson is not abandoning action movies. He is simply broadening his scope to include more dramatic roles while still participating in blockbuster franchises and big-budget films.

Known predominantly for his roles in action-packed blockbusters, Dwayne Johnson's beginnings in entertainment stem from his successful wrestling career as "The Rock" in WWE. His transition to the silver screen started with "The Mummy Returns" and blasted off with action flicks like "The Scorpion King," and "Fast & Furious" sequels. Now, Johnson is stepping into a part of his career where he's exploring different genres and taking on roles that delve into more complex character narratives, somewhat returning to the grittier side of physical performance akin to his wrestling days.