Overview of the Film

In the highly anticipated film “The Smashing Machine,” Dwayne Johnson takes on his most challenging role yet, portraying the story of two-time UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr. A24 recently unveiled the first trailer for this compelling drama, shedding light on the life of a complex athlete.

Directorial Debut and Cast

This film marks the solo directorial debut of Benny Safdie, renowned for his work as one half of the Safdie brothers, with titles like “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time.” Johnson is joined by a notable cast that includes:

• Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife
• Bas Rutten
• Lyndsey Gavin
• Oleksandr Usyk

Johnson and Blunt reunite for this project following their collaboration on Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” in 2021. They are also slated to work with Leonardo DiCaprio in a future crime thriller set in Hawaii, directed by Martin Scorsese.

The Story Behind Mark Kerr

Mark Kerr, a celebrated mixed martial artist, held a prominent place in the sport from 1997 to 2009, achieving four ADCC World Championships throughout his career. Notably, he was featured in an HBO documentary titled “The Smashing Machine” in 2002, which focused on his struggles with substance abuse and tumultuous personal relationships.

Creative Vision

Dwayne Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with Safdie on this project, stating, “Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real… 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.” His aim is to create films that explore the depths of humanity, tackling issues of struggle and pain.

Production Details

In addition to writing credits for Kerr and Safdie, the film’s production team includes:

• Dwayne Johnson
• Danny Garcia
• Eli Bush
• Hiram Garcia
• David Koplan

Tracey Landon serves as the executive producer.

Theatrical Release

Fans can look forward to “The Smashing Machine” hitting theaters on October 3rd. To get a glimpse of what to expect, check out the trailer below: