Dwayne Johnson is nearly unrecognizable in the first look at “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie. Johnson plays legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr, co-starring with Emily Blunt as Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples.
Dwayne Johnson is nearly unrecognizable in the first look at his upcoming A24 drama “The Smashing Machine.” Directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring his “Jungle Cruise” screen partner Emily Blunt, the film casts Johnson as legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Kerr’s life was marked by his struggles with addiction and his marriage while he rose to become an icon of the sport. Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife, in this intense biographical drama currently in production.
In “The Smashing Machine” first look, Johnson maintains his typical muscular physique but appears to be using facial prosthetics to transform into Kerr. Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship winner, earned over two dozen MMA titles during his career.
This film marks Benny Safdie’s solo feature directorial debut, following his successful collaborations with his brother Josh on A24’s indie hits like “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems.” Safdie previously acted alongside Blunt in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” Johnson and Safdie first connected on this project in 2019 but had to put the film on hold due to the pandemic. Years later, Johnson and Blunt were discussing the project when Blunt, inspired by the 2002 documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr,” encouraged Johnson to make the movie.
Johnson shared with Variety that he was drawn to “The Smashing Machine” because of Benny Safdie’s commitment to creating raw and real stories. “I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity, struggle, and pain,” Johnson said.
Produced by Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions along with Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, Eli Bush, and David Koplan, “The Smashing Machine” promises to be a gripping portrayal of Kerr’s life and career. A24 has yet to announce the film’s release date.
