A24 movie The Smashing Machine as the former wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, chronicling his rise to prominence during the no-holds-barred era of the UFC before facing battles with substance abuse. That film, written and directed by Benny Safdie, is set for release this October, but before then, Johnson is already set to star in another A24 movie.

According to Deadline, Dwayne Johnson is reportedly reteaming with A24 on a psychological thriller titled Breakthrough. Set in Southern California around the turn of the millennium, the story centers on a disillusioned young man who falls under the sway of a charismatic self-help guru. While the guru's captivating presence draws people in, it hides his ethically dubious tactics and a hidden darker side.

Johnson is reportedly playing the motivational guru in a ing role, while casting for the lead and other ing characters is still in progress. The psychological thriller is penned by rising talent Zeke Goodman, though the project is currently without a director attached.

What This Means For Dwayne Johnson

He's Entering A New Phase Of His Career

Long known for family flicks and blockbuster action movies, Dwayne Johnson's roles signify a significant career shift for the actor. Johnson has recently gravitated toward dramatic and darker roles, and Breakthrough continues that trend. His next appearance will be in A24's The Smashing Machine, and with a release in October, it has a chance to be a potential awards season contender, with the hope that Johnson could potentially receive the first Oscar nomination of his career.

Johnson is also set to star in Martin Scorsese's untitled Hawaiian crime film and is considering a starring role in Ripped, an adaptation of Joe Ballarini's short story. A24's Breakthrough especially signifies that The Smashing Machine wasn't just a one-off; Johnson is committed to making movies that "matter," as he put it, films that "explore humanity, struggle [and] pain." His role in Breakthrough​​​​​​, a motivational guru concealing a darkness underneath his charismatic persona, seems like a logical follow-up to his role as the troubled MMA fighter The Smashing Machine.

Our Take On Dwayne Johnson's Roles

They Suit Him Incredibly Well

Dwayne Johnson's recent career shift isn't just exciting because he's opting for darker and more dramatic roles, but they are roles that seem to suit him incredibly well. As a professional wrestler, Johnson is especially suited to play the former wrestler Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. Likewise, Johnson often plays the part of a motivational guru on social media, frequently sharing workout posts and videos to motivate his followers. His real-life persona makes him a compelling choice to portray a charismatic, if morally complex, motivational guru in Breakthrough.

The Smashing Machine releases in theaters on October 3.

Source: Deadline