Los Angeles, California — Dwayne Johnson reveals a striking transformation in his latest role, portraying mixed martial arts champion Mark Kerr in the upcoming film “The Smashing Machine.” A24 unveiled the first trailer for the biopic Tuesday morning, generating considerable buzz around the anticipated release.
Marking his solo directorial debut, Benny Safdie, known for his work on critically acclaimed films such as “Uncut Gems,” takes the helm of this intense narrative. Alongside Johnson, the film features a notable cast including Emily Blunt as Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples, and appearances by Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin, and Oleksandr Usyk. This project reunites Johnson and Blunt following their collaboration in the 2021 Disney adventure film, “Jungle Cruise.” The duo is also set to work with Leonardo DiCaprio in an upcoming Hawaii-based thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, widening their cinematic partnerships.
Kerr’s fighting career, which spanned from 1997 to 2009, is marked by achievements that include four victories at the ADCC World Championships. The athlete’s struggles with substance abuse and the impact on his personal relationships were previously explored in an HBO documentary bearing the same name as the feature film, highlighting the complexities of fame and personal battles.
In discussing his motivation for taking on the project, Johnson expressed admiration for Safdie’s approach to storytelling. He emphasized a desire to push the boundaries of his craft by tackling narratives that depict raw, authentic human experiences. “I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity, struggle, and pain,” Johnson shared.
Kerr and Safdie are credited as co-writers, with a production team that includes Johnson alongside Danny Garcia, Eli Bush, Hiram Garcia, and David Koplan. Tracey Landon serves as executive producer, ensuring a comprehensive vision for the project’s development.
“The Smashing Machine” is slated for theatrical release on October 3. As anticipation builds, the trailer hints at an emotional and gripping portrayal of Kerr’s life, blending the thrill of mixed martial arts with profound personal themes.