Dwayne Johnson’s Unrecognizable Role in A24’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ Biopic Revealed

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In a fresh perspective, ex-wrestler and current actor Dwayne Johnson transitions from the wrestling ring to the cage as he portrays real-life mixed martial arts icon Mark Kerr in the sports drama produced by A24. The upcoming trailer suggests an unfamiliar yet impressive performance by Johnson.

Through its platform previously known as Twitter, A24 unveiled the initial poster for the film titled “The Smashing Machine“. This latest sneak peek showcases Johnson’s main character preparing for combat and builds anticipation for the MMA biopic, labeling it as an “unforgettable retelling of a UFC legend’s life”. The new poster is released ahead of the anticipated debut of the first trailer for “The Smashing Machine“, which is set to premiere on April 29th.

In the film “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie, who is known for his work on “Uncut Gems,” Johnson plays Kerr, a former UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and skilled boxer who was active in mixed martial arts from 1997 to 2009. The movie focuses on Kerr during the height of his career, depicting his personal struggles and his relationship with his wife Dawn Staples while he builds a fearsome reputation as one of MMA’s top fighters. In the film, Johnson’s “Jungle Cruise” co-star, Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt, portrays Staples.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on “The Smashing Machine,” a production under Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions. In this action-packed film, Johnson and Blunt star alongside Ukrainian boxer Igor Vovchanchyn, portraying an uncompromising MMA fighter, and Bas Rutten, a former kickboxer turned actor. Ryan Bader (Mark Coleman) also graces the screen as a professional fighter. Filming took place from May to August last year, but the production wasn’t without its challenges.

Eager to push his boundaries and explore a new character, Blunt shared that Johnson had been captivated by Kerr’s tale. After some setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Blunt revealed that Johnson sought to broaden his acting skills through the film, “The Smashing Machine.” In an interview with GQ last November, Blunt expressed, “I believe he was growing weary of being the person everyone anticipated him to be. I think he felt a desire for something different, a sort of weariness in how he was conducting himself.

Dwayne Johnson Has Many Upcoming Projects

Following the billion-dollar triumph of a certain film, Johnson has numerous ventures underway in preparation for the upcoming launch of . The actor expresses that this period is the “most artistically stimulating phase of my career,” while confirming his participation. Additionally, Johnson is busy with a clandestine collaboration with renowned producer J.J. Abrams and is slated to bring to life the live-action version of Moana, where he will reprise his character Maui from its animated predecessor.

The Smashing Machine .

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2025-04-28 23:11