Emily Blunt has been on a whirlwind promo tour for her latest project, and she turned heads once again on Monday at the Venice Film Festival.
The Devil Wears Prada star joined co-star Dwayne Johnson, director Benny Safdie, and the film’s real-life subject, Mark Kerr, to celebrate the premiere of the biographical drama The Smashing Machine.
A Show-Stopping Look
Blunt looked stunning in a baby blue gown featuring a ruched waist and embellished shoulder straps that accentuated her elegant figure.
Adding a playful, edgy touch, she wore a necklace with the letters “S&M,” a bold accessory choice that quickly drew attention on the red carpet.
Bringing Real Stories to Life
The Smashing Machine tells the story of Mark Kerr, a former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter, with Dwayne Johnson stepping into the challenging role.
Emily plays Kerr’s then-wife, Dawn Staples, an Arizona-based recovering alcoholic who married him in Las Vegas.
The film explores the highs and lows of Kerr’s career, including his battles with injuries and substance abuse, while also showing the emotional toll on those closest to him.
Blunt’s performance captures the struggles of Dawn, who resorts to painkillers to cope with her husband’s grueling fighting career.
Dwayne Johnson Reflects on His Hollywood Journey
At the Venice panel, Johnson admitted that this role was one of the most demanding of his career.
Sitting alongside Blunt and director Benny Safdie, he spoke candidly about the challenges of being typecast in Hollywood and the pressure of box office expectations.
“I have, for a long time, wanted this… When you’re in Hollywood, it becomes about box office.
It can push you into a lane, and this is what Hollywood wants you to do,” Johnson said, reflecting on the importance of pursuing roles that challenge him creatively.
Emily Blunt on the Responsibility of Portraying Real People
In a recent interview with PORTER Magazine, Blunt opened up about the responsibility of playing real-life figures.
“You know you’re gonna have to rip your ribcage open on something like this… and the other fear is that these people are still living, and you’re holding the beating hearts of their lives on a screen.
You just want to do right by these people who have lived through a lot,” she said.
Behind the Scenes and Global Locations
The movie was filmed across multiple locations, including Vancouver, Los Angeles, New Mexico, and Tokyo.
Dwayne Johnson not only stars in the film but also serves as a producer.
Meanwhile, Benny Safdie, a three-time Independent Spirit Award-winning filmmaker, makes his solo feature directorial debut with this project.
A Release to Anticipate
The Smashing Machine is set to hit theaters on October 3, offering audiences an intense, heartfelt look at the personal and professional struggles of one of MMA’s most compelling figures, brought vividly to life by a talented cast and crew.
