In an unanticipated shift from his typical roles, Dwayne Johnson will have his most profound cinematic metamorphosis in the upcoming film ‘The Smashing Machine.’ Johnson will portray the dual UFC Heavyweight title holder Mark Kerr in this much-anticipated biopic. A24, the film production company, released the first glimpse of this action-packed drama early last Tuesday morning.
From the creative minds of the Safdie Brothers, known for ‘Uncut Gems’ and ‘Good Time,’ comes the directorial prowess of Benny Safdie in his first standalone directorial venture. Keystone members of the film ensemble include Emily Blunt portraying Kerr’s spouse, Dawn Staples, along with other notable actors such as Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin, and Oleksandr Usyk.
‘The Smashing Machine’ presents a remarkable reunion of Johnson and Blunt following their collaboration on the Disney adventure film, ‘Jungle Cruise,’ in 2021. The dynamic pair will also be teaming up with Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio for an upcoming Hawaiian criminal drama under the direction of Martin Scorsese.
The film’s narrative revolves around the life of Kerr, a formidable combatant in mixed martial arts who was active in the ring from 1997 to 2009. His illustrious career was studded with four victories at the ADCC World Championships.
Back in 2002, Kerr became the crux of a compelling HBO documentary, also titled ‘The Smashing Machine.’ The film exposed his struggle with substance misuse and offered stark insights into troubled interactions with his significant other and team.
Previous comments from Johnson suggest his keen interest in collaborating with Benny Safdie on ‘The Smashing Machine.’ Johnson expressed admiration for Safdie’s commitment to crafting tales that are grounded, genuine, and which, at moments, render the audience uncomfortable due to their unembellished nature.
In talking about his mission for this film, Johnson revealed his eagerness to challenge himself in unprecedented ways within his career. His intent to embody roles that resonate, explore the human experience, and depict struggle, is clear. The emphasis on portraying pain and turbulence, he stated, is what he believes truly matters in the current phase of his acting journey.
Johnson’s passion for realistic storytelling is commendable, and his desire to work on a project that pushes boundaries is evident with his involvement in ‘The Smashing Machine.’ Together with Safdie, Johnson hopes to leave a lasting impact on viewers, evoking thought and stirring emotion through their interpretation of Kerr’s story.
Co-writing the script with Johnson is Kerr himself, a collaboration that only further enhances the authenticity and raw emotional gravity of the film. Their joint efforts are expected to create a riveting narrative that sheds light on the often glossed-over aspects of such aggressively competitive sports.
With its frank depiction of struggle, sundered relationships, and the individual journey to self-understanding, ‘The Smashing Machine’ promises to offer viewers more than an adrenaline-filled look into the world of UFC championships. It presents a candid examination of the plight often faced by those in high-stress professional circles.
As the film is set to hit theaters on October 3, both the makers and fans are eagerly awaiting its release. The true story of Mark Kerr and his battles, both within and outside the ring, forms a backdrop against which the raw narratives of struggle, perseverance, and triumph are expected to be weaved with finesse.
‘The Smashing Machine’ is likely to join the ranks of other highly impactful biopics in exploring the many layered complexities of a sporting career. Kerr embodied both the hard-hitting strength of a fighter and the vulnerable being underneath the athletic exterior, creating a dynamic character that Johnson is set to bring to the big screen.
The excitement surrounding the film’s release is palpable, fueled by the stellar reputation of its star-studded cast and its formidable production team. With a biopic delving into uncharted territory, viewers anticipate a memorable performance from Johnson and other cast members.
In conclusion, ‘The Smashing Machine’ appears set to deliver an emotionally charged, gripping narrative that makes a strong contribution to biographical cinema. The film looks poised to offer an intimate, nuanced exploration of a fighter’s story, showing us the familiar faces under a new, dramatic, and authentic light.