Dwayne Johnson is nearly unrecognizable in the first look at his upcoming A24 drama, “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie. Johnson stars alongside his “Jungle Cruise” co-star Emily Blunt. In the film, Johnson plays legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr, who battled addiction and marital issues while becoming a sports icon. Blunt plays Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples. The film is currently in production.
In the first look, Johnson is typically muscular as Kerr but also appears to wear facial prosthetics to better resemble the MMA legend. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship winner, earning over two dozen MMA titles during his career.
First look at Benny Safdie’s THE SMASHING MACHINE starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
“The Smashing Machine” is Safdie’s solo feature directorial debut. He previously collaborated with his brother Josh on A24 hits like “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems.” Safdie acted with Blunt in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” Johnson and Safdie first connected on this project in 2019 but paused production due to the pandemic. Years later, Blunt, after watching the 2002 documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr,” urged Johnson to revive the project.
Johnson previously told Variety that he was drawn to “The Smashing Machine” because of Safdie’s commitment to creating raw, real stories with authentic, sometimes uncomfortable characters. Johnson said, “I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself and make films that matter, exploring humanity, struggle, and pain.”
The film is produced by Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, Eli Bush, and David Koplan.
A24 has not yet announced a release date for “The Smashing Machine.”