Dwayne Johnson is unrecognizable as real-life UFC fighter Mark Kerr in a new A24 movie. Here's what to know about 'The Smashing Machine.'

Business Insider

29-04-2025

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson 's signature tattoos and bald head are nowhere to be seen in the first trailer for A24's upcoming biopic about a legendary athlete.
In "The Smashing Machine,"Johnson transforms into mixed martial arts (MMA) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Mark Kerr, seemingly with the help of a wig and facial prosthetics.
The film, written and directed by Benny Safdie, has been in development since 2019 and was officially announced in late 2023. Now, it's gearing up for a fall release: October 3, 2025.
Here's what to know about the movie and the real-life UFC legend Johnson is portraying.
Mark Kerr is known for his no-holds-barred fighting style
Kerr, born in 1968, is a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and a World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Kerr's no-holds-barred fighting style earned him the nickname "The Smashing Machine."
His career was previously chronicled in the HBO documentary "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr."
The documentary gives fans an inside look at Kerr's triumphs as a fighter, his relationship with now-ex-wife Dawn Staples, and his addiction to painkillers, which led to an overdose that he recovered from.
'The Smashing Machine' has been in the works for 6 years
In addition to Johnson portraying Kerr, "The Smashing Machine" stars Emily Blunt as Staples.
Johnson told Variety that he and Safdie connected about the biopic in 2019, when Seven Bucks Productions, the production company co-founded by Johnson and Dany Garcia, acquired the rights to Kerr's story.
The project was put on hold due to pandemic-related delays and other commitments, but eventually, Johnson and the director reconnected thanks to mutual acquaintance Blunt, who filmed " Oppenheimer" with Safdie and previously starred alongside Johnson in "Jungle Cruise."
Nowadays, Johnson is known for roles in action movies like the "Fast & Furious" franchise, the "Jumanji" films, and Disney's " Moana" movies. But the actor knows a thing or two about being in the ring.
Before becoming a bankable Hollywood star, Johnson followed in his father Rocky Johnson's footsteps and became a professional wrestler. Johnson largely stepped back from WWE superstardom in 2004 and pivoted to a career as an actor.
"The Smashing Machine" marks a departure from Johnson's past work. In the biopic, he ditches superhero suits and musical tunes for a more emotional performance as Kerr, who struggled with an addiction to painkillers during his career as a professional fighter.
Johnson told Variety that he's not abandoning blockbusters, but he's eager to try something different.
"I'm at this point in my career where I want more," he said. "And I don't mean I want more box office. I mean I want more humanity. And that is why Benny Safdie is the perfect, collaborative, hungry partner for me."
"The Smashing Machine" hits theaters October 3.