Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, a former WWE star, is stepping into a new arena as he portrays the legendary UFC fighter, Mark Kerr, in the upcoming film The Smashing Machine. This highly anticipated movie has been penned and directed by the skilled Benny Safdie. Notable stalwarts such as Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Ritten, and Oleksandr Usyk contribute to the star-studded cast of the film.
Mark Kerr is recognized as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, and his journey has been documented earlier in the 2002 HBO documentary ‘The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.’ The foundation of the upcoming feature film goes back to 2019, which traces Johnson’s production company winning the rights to the iconic fighter’s life story.
Originally, Johnson extended invitations to directors for the project, but the global health crisis caused an indefinite halt to the entire movie industry. The project remained in a phase of uncertainty until Emily Blunt, who had previously teamed up with Johnson for the 2021’s Junglee Cruise, reignited interest in the project during their stint in 2023’s Oppenheimer.
At this stage, the movie project quickly gained pace. ‘I’ve reached a phase in my career where I’m eager to challenge myself in ways that I haven’t done before. I’m making films that delve into the depths of human emotion, struggle, and pain,’ shared Johnson. In ‘The Smashing Machine’, Johnson embarks on this path of exploration.
The trailer of The Smashing Machine lays emphasis on Kerr’s unquestionable supremacy in the UFC ring, his struggle with painkiller addiction, his rocky relationship with girlfriend Dawn Staples portrayed by Emily Blunt, and the impact of his long career of fights on his physical health. These elements give the audience a glimpse into the thrilling drama that’s set to unfold.
It’s worth mentioning that this film marks Benny Safdie’s directorial debut as a solo director. The excitement surrounding the movie is palpable, and the film is set for a grand theater release on October 3. This project holds a special place in Johnson’s professional journey as it evokes talks of a potential Academy Award for Best Actor nomination, a first in his illustrious career.
Johnson’s career continues to evolve with a diverse range of projects. Following ‘The Smashing Machine’, the actor is set to reprise his role as Maui in a live-action adaptation of the much-loved animated movie Moana. This indicates the dynamic journey that the actor is set to embark upon in his acting career.