First Look at Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s ‘The Smashing Machine’

A24 has released the first look at Dwayne Johnson as the legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s ‘The Smashing Machine‘. Johnson has unrecognizably transformed into Kerr, complete with a wig on his head.

In the image, we can see Johnson, who plays Kerr, is in the middle of the fight, and he is being calmed down by the coach. The film seems to contain a lot of massive fights. Johnson has already confirmed that he is being trained hard for the film. See the image below.

When it comes to Kerr, he is a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and also a World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. The legend has won several MMA titles during his time.

‘The Smashing Machine’ follows Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love, and friendship in the year 2000.

The film is written and directed by Safdie. It also stars Emily Blunt, who starred alongside Johnson in Jungle Cruise (2021). Blunt is set to play Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples. A24 describes her character as someone who “struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world” as they try to establish a new life together.

In an interview with Variety, Johnson said, “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. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity and explore struggle and pain.”

Produced by Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions alongside Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, with Eli Bush and David Koplan.

‘The Smashing Machine’ is currently in production. According to The InSneider, ‘The Smashing Machine’ is reportedly looking to release in theaters in December 2024.