Why Dwayne Johnson Changed Outlook on Complex Relationship With Dad

For Dwayne Johnson, The Smashing Machine was so much more than a job.

With the Golden Globes happening on January 11th, hosted by Nikki Glaser, the actor recently shared why the movie—a biography of former MMA fighter Mark Kerr—meant a lot to him personally.

He shared with Zuri Hall on LIVE from TopMob: Golden Globes 2026 that he’s lost 15 friends over the last fifteen years to addiction and suicide. He described his film, The Smashing Machine, as a tribute to those he’s lost and a message of support for those currently battling addiction or mental health issues. He urged anyone struggling, or anyone who loves someone who is, to keep fighting, believing that healing and peace are possible on the other side.

In fact, working on the movie changed the way Dwayne viewed his own father.

The film really made me want to understand and connect with people who are going through difficult times. This is personal for me because my father struggled with addiction throughout his life, and sadly, he’s passed away now.

He explained that making the film helped him understand and connect with people facing difficulties on a much deeper level.

The actor known for Moana also shared what else attracted him to the part, which was one of the most dramatic roles he’d ever taken on.

He explained it wasn’t about impressing others, but about a personal challenge. “I’m grateful for my successful career, and I always strive for quality work, but I needed something that pushed me outside my comfort zone, something I hadn’t felt in a while.”

Okay, seriously, seeing The Rock – Dwayne, I mean – on the red carpet just made my night! He was nominated for Best Actor in a Drama, which he SO deserves, and Emily Blunt, his amazing co-star, was up for Best Supporting Actress! He looked absolutely incredible in a classic tux, and honestly, could we talk about his wife, Lauren Hashian? She was glowing in this stunning gold dress right beside him. They are the perfect couple! I was completely mesmerized – I need every picture!

Many consider The Smashing Machine to be one of Dwayne’s most emotionally impactful films so far, and Emily has received similar acclaim for her performance as Mark’s wife, Dawn Staples.

As the evening progresses, the competition is heating up. Dwayne is nominated for an award alongside Joel Edgerton (for Train Dreams), Oscar Isaac (for Frankenstein), Michael B. Jordan (for Sinners), Wagner Moura (for The Secret Agent), and Jeremy Allen White (for Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere).

Regardless of whether Dwayne wins an award at the Beverly Hilton, he’s already succeeded because his friendship with Emily has grown even stronger. They previously worked together on The Jungle Cruise, and this new project has brought them even closer.

And, as Dwayne revealed, their bond paid off from the very beginning of filming.

After a particularly busy work week, I started to feel optimistic that we were really making progress,” the Fast & Furious star told TopMob News in September. “It definitely helped that Mark and Dawn had worked together for so long – their on-screen connection felt natural from the start.”

Honestly, it was the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done, both personally and professionally. And, of course, nothing compares to becoming a father and welcoming my children – that’s a whole different level of joy!

Emily said working on set felt amazing, like “heaven,” and she’s still amazed by how much Dwayne Johnson became his character, Mark.

The 42-year-old described seeing Dwayne Johnson transform into his character, Mark, for the first time during a test shoot. He said it wasn’t just a physical change, but a complete shift in Johnson’s personality and behavior, which he found both unsettling and thrilling.

For more from the Golden Globes carpet, read on.