Emily Blunt Suffers a Strange “Paul Giamatti Disease,” Leaves Co-Star Dwayne Johnson in Disbelief

Published 09/27/2025, 11:10 AM EDT

Hollywood has seen its fair share of surprises, but nothing quite like what unfolded when Emily Blunt stepped in front of the camera for her latest film. Emily Blunt’s performance was not just good; it was magnetic, turning ordinary takes into moments of pure cinematic magic and reminding everyone why she remains one of the industry’s most compelling stars.

Blunt appears to have delivered a performance so dazzling that it left one industry insider dubbing her as having the “Paul Giamatti Disease.” And her co-star Dwayne Johnson, meanwhile, could not agree more with the label.

Emily Blunt tagged with Paul Giamatti, Dwayne Johnson agrees

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Emily Blunt has been playfully called out for having the “Paul Giamatti Disease,” and Dwayne Johnson agreed. On a recent episode of Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, the host praised Blunt for making every role look effortless, much like Giamatti, without even realizing the greatness she exudes, aligning with the trait that the senior actor possesses. Johnson, who will appear alongside the actress in The Smashing Machine, corroborated the same and further called her his “greatest inspiration." Johnson also added that Blunt is not only an incredible performer on screen but also a genuinely wonderful person in real life.

Dwayne Johnson got back to praising Emily Blunt's acting chops, especially in The Smashing Machine, their second collaboration, noting on Variety's Awards Circuit that the intense scenes and challenging locations for the film made her effortless execution even more impressive. Echoing the podcast host, he emphasized how Blunt’s dedication elevates the material while remaining natural. Well, with so much buzz around her latest role, it has now become essential to learn in depth about the part she portrays in the film.

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Blunt takes on the role of a very important person in MMA fighter Mark Kerr’s life, which Dwayne Johnson plays on screen. 

Emily Blunt in The Smashing Machine: Her character guide

In The Smashing Machine, Emily Blunt portrays Dawn Staples, the real-life ex-wife of UFC legend Mark Kerr, played by Dwayne Johnson. The film delves into their tumultuous relationship, highlighting both Kerr's rise in the MMA world and the personal challenges he faced. Blunt’s role is pivotal in showcasing the emotional undercurrents that influenced Kerr's journey both inside and outside the ring. 

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Ultimately, even as Dwayne Johnson recently faced both celebration and mockery following another of his The Smashing Machine interviews, there is little doubt that his praise for Emily Blunt on Awards Circuit strikes a chord. Her effortless command of the screen, magnetic presence, and dedication to her craft leave an impression that is hard to ignore. Blunt continues to prove why she is one of Hollywood’s most compelling talents, turning every scene into something unforgettable. In the world of constant surprises, she remains a true force, earning admiration across the board.

Every Emily Blunt Movie on Netflix That Is Worth Canceling Plans for

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What do you think of Emily Blunt’s comparison to Paul Giamatti? Let us know in the comments.

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Seema Sinha

398 articles

Seema Sinha is a journalist at Netflix Junkie, covering the celebrity culture and global cinema beats. With three years of experience at major Hollywood media verticals, she filters real news from the gossip and buzz. Her core focus is on pop culture narratives surrounding musicians—primarily Taylor Swift—with her reporting striking a fine balance between human insight and editorial clarity.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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