Dwayne Johnson Transforms for New Film ‘The Smashing Machine’

LOS ANGELES, CA – Dwayne Johnson is set to take on one of the most dramatic roles of his career in the upcoming film “The Smashing Machine.” Scheduled to release on October 3, the movie features Johnson as Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts fighter who struggled with substance abuse and achieved fame through the UFC.

A24 released a trailer for the film on Tuesday, highlighting the intense themes of career and personal struggles. Johnson, known for his action-packed roles in films like “San Andreas” and “Jumanji,” is seen using facial prosthetics to closely resemble Kerr, who was active in the late ’90s.

“Winning is the best feeling in the world,” Johnson’s character claims in the trailer. “It’s 40,000 people in there cheering you on. There’s no other high like it in the world.” Alongside him is Emily Blunt, portraying Kerr’s girlfriend, who navigates the challenges of Kerr’s career and addiction.

The director of the film, Benny Safdie, marks his solo directorial debut, having co-directed “Uncut Gems” with his brother Josh. Johnson expressed the desire to stretch his acting abilities in this role, stating, “It was an opportunity for me to stretch myself in ways that I hadn’t been stretched yet.”

Johnson’s transformation has captivated fans, with many commentators noting how different he looks due to the makeup and prosthetics. Social media responses indicate excitement about this departure from his typical roles, with comments praising the makeup team’s work.

The film also showcases Kerr’s fight against a ban on UFC fighting in many U.S. states, as well as his personal battle with addiction. The story is inspired by a 2002 HBO documentary of the same name.

Mark Kerr is a significant figure in MMA history, having won multiple awards and faced numerous challenges. Fans eagerly await Johnson’s portrayal of this complex character, bringing attention to both the sport and the personal struggles of those involved.