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Dwayne Johnson is stepping into his most dramatic and personal role yet in The Smashing Machine, marking his first collaboration with the indie powerhouse A24. Directed and written by Benny Safdie—best known for co-directing Uncut Gems—the film explores the complicated life of legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Watch the trailer below.
What stands out is that The Rock is an action hero, and it’s really surprising that taking a role like this, he will portray Mark Kerr, a former UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion who dominated the world of mixed martial arts in the late 1990s and early 2000s. But while Kerr’s record in the ring was nearly unbeatable, his life outside it was marked by painkiller addiction, emotional trauma, and the intense pressure of maintaining his image.
Even though it’s a sports drama film, it will not focus on his victories in the octagon; instead it delves deep into the man behind the muscles, portraying a raw and emotional journey of fame, struggle, and redemption.
Alongside Johnson, the film stars Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s girlfriend at the time. Blunt and Johnson formerly worked together in Disney’s Jungle Cruise, but this film promises a far more dramatic tone. Blunt’s role will likely bring a much-needed emotional anchor to the story, showing the toll Kerr’s battles took on those closest to him.
The Smashing Machine is set to hit theaters on October 3, 2025.