Strictly Business Daily Variety – Cover Story: Dwayne Johnson Feels Reborn With ‘The Smashing Machine’; George Clooney Talks AI on Red Carpet Rundown; Business Managers Elite
Nov 12, 2025
Daniel D'Addario, Variety's chief correspondent, dives deep into Dwayne Johnson's artistic transformation for his role in 'The Smashing Machine'. He shares the film's expectations versus reality and discusses how Emily Blunt inspired Johnson to take on a more vulnerable character. Todd Longwell, Variety's legal and finance editor, elaborates on the crucial role of business managers in Hollywood, illustrating their impact with Larry David's story and explaining the selection process for the Business Managers Elite list.
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Career-Defining Risk
- The Smashing Machine marks Dwayne Johnson's biggest acting swing away from franchise comfort toward vulnerability.
- Daniel D’Addario argues this film can be a turning point in Johnson's artistic evolution despite a soft theatrical start.
Audience Shifts Hurt Mature Films
- The film's box office underperformance reflects changing audience habits favoring VOD for adult, star-driven dramas.
- D’Addario places the movie among mature, ambitious fall releases that audiences often wait to stream.
Gym Interview Trip
- D’Addario conducted the interview inside a real boxing ring and even tripped climbing over the ropes.
- Johnson caught his arm, a moment that underscored Johnson's physical presence and authenticity.
