WWE's The Rock Receives 15-Minute Ovation for 'The Smashing Machine' Role on Video

WWE legend and Hollywood megastar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was moved to tears Monday while receiving a lengthy standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in the new movie "The Smashing Machine."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, those in attendance applauded for 15 minutes straight following a screening of the movie, triggering an emotional response from The Rock and co-star Emily Blunt:

"The Smashing Machine," which is set for theatrical release on Oct. 3, is a biographical film about the life and career of former UFC star Mark Kerr.

Johnson portrays Kerr in the film, marking a departure from the sometimes one-dimensional role he typically plays in action movies.

By all accounts, playing Kerr is one of the deepest and most complex roles of Johnson's career, showcasing his range as an actor.

Per Variety's Ellise Shafer and Rebecca Rubin, Johnson confirmed this week that he had been looking to broaden his horizons after being "pigeonholed" into certain characters, saying:

"I just had this burning desire and voice that was saying, 'What if there is more and what if I can?' A lot of times, it's harder for us—or at least for me—to know what you're capable of when you've been pigeonholed into something. Sometimes it takes people who you love and respect, like Emily and [director] Benny [Safdie], to say that you can."

The Rock is the biggest success story when it comes to pro wrestlers transitioning into Hollywood, but others have followed in his footsteps and done quite well for themselves also, including Batista and John Cena.

Batista has been cast in a lot of action films like The Rock and Cena has done a ton of comedic acting, but it is fair to wonder if Johnson's performance in "The Smashing Machine" could pave the way for Batista, Cena and other wrestlers to be considered for more serious roles moving forward.