Dwayne Johnson transforms in ‘The Smashing Machine’ — A raw, gritty UFC biopic by Benny Safdie
Shreeaa Rathi | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Apr 29, 2025, 22:15 IST
( Image credit : ANI )
In a riveting portrayal, Dwayne Johnson takes on the role of Mark Kerr in the upcoming A24 biopic, 'The Smashing Machine'. Directed by Benny Safdie and featuring Emily Blunt, this film chronicles the MMA icon's tumultuous journey between 1997 and 2009, shedding light on his battles with addiction and the complexities of his relationships.
In what may be the most transformative role of his career, Dwayne Johnson is nearly unrecognizable in the first trailer for The Smashing Machine, A24’s upcoming biopic centered on the tumultuous life of two-time UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr. Directed by Benny Safdie in his solo feature debut, the film promises an unflinching look at the dark side of fame, addiction, and the brutal world of mixed martial arts.
Best known as one-half of the Safdie brothers duo behind Uncut Gems and Good Time, Benny Safdie steps out on his own to direct this hard-hitting portrait of Kerr’s rise and fall. Johnson stars as the troubled fighter, while Emily Blunt takes on the role of Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples. The cast also features Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin, and Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk in supporting roles.
Set for theatrical release on October 3, The Smashing Machine explores the period between 1997 and 2009 when Kerr dominated the MMA scene, clinching four ADCC World Championships. However, behind the glory lay a man battling personal demons. The film is named after the 2002 HBO documentary that first chronicled Kerr’s descent into drug addiction and the strain it placed on his relationships with his girlfriend and trainers.
This marks Johnson and Blunt’s second on-screen collaboration following Disney’s Jungle Cruise (2021). They are also slated to reunite alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in an upcoming Hawaiian crime thriller directed by Martin Scorsese.
Johnson has expressed deep admiration for Safdie’s storytelling approach, citing the director’s commitment to raw, unfiltered narratives. “Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real—characters that are authentic, and at times, uncomfortable and arresting,” Johnson said in a recent interview with Variety. “I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity, struggle, and pain.”
Safdie and Kerr share writing credits for the film, while the production team includes Johnson, Safdie, Danny Garcia, Eli Bush, Hiram Garcia, and David Koplan. Tracey Landon serves as executive producer.
As A24 continues its tradition of boundary-pushing cinema, The Smashing Machine is shaping up to be more than just a sports drama. It’s a visceral exploration of vulnerability beneath physical dominance, anchored by a performance from Johnson that may redefine his acting legacy.
The Smashing Machine hits theaters nationwide on October 3. Watch the trailer and prepare for a side of Dwayne Johnson you’ve never seen before.
Would you like a quick summary or a press-release-style version of this article as well?
Best known as one-half of the Safdie brothers duo behind Uncut Gems and Good Time, Benny Safdie steps out on his own to direct this hard-hitting portrait of Kerr’s rise and fall. Johnson stars as the troubled fighter, while Emily Blunt takes on the role of Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples. The cast also features Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin, and Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk in supporting roles.
Set for theatrical release on October 3, The Smashing Machine explores the period between 1997 and 2009 when Kerr dominated the MMA scene, clinching four ADCC World Championships. However, behind the glory lay a man battling personal demons. The film is named after the 2002 HBO documentary that first chronicled Kerr’s descent into drug addiction and the strain it placed on his relationships with his girlfriend and trainers.
This marks Johnson and Blunt’s second on-screen collaboration following Disney’s Jungle Cruise (2021). They are also slated to reunite alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in an upcoming Hawaiian crime thriller directed by Martin Scorsese.
Johnson has expressed deep admiration for Safdie’s storytelling approach, citing the director’s commitment to raw, unfiltered narratives. “Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real—characters that are authentic, and at times, uncomfortable and arresting,” Johnson said in a recent interview with Variety. “I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity, struggle, and pain.”
Safdie and Kerr share writing credits for the film, while the production team includes Johnson, Safdie, Danny Garcia, Eli Bush, Hiram Garcia, and David Koplan. Tracey Landon serves as executive producer.
As A24 continues its tradition of boundary-pushing cinema, The Smashing Machine is shaping up to be more than just a sports drama. It’s a visceral exploration of vulnerability beneath physical dominance, anchored by a performance from Johnson that may redefine his acting legacy.
The Smashing Machine hits theaters nationwide on October 3. Watch the trailer and prepare for a side of Dwayne Johnson you’ve never seen before.
Would you like a quick summary or a press-release-style version of this article as well?