Dwayne Johnson steps into the ring again, but this time as legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. A24 released the first trailer today, offering a raw look at Kerr’s highs and lows during the peak of his career in 2000.
Watch below.
The Story Behind The Smashing Machine
Nicknamed “The Smashing Machine” for his brutal fighting style, Mark Kerr became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. Johnson portrays Kerr as he battles addiction, fame, and personal relationships while trying to maintain his dominance in the ring.
The film is based on the 2002 HBO documentary of the same name and is written and directed by Benny Safdie. Johnson’s portrayal hints at the darker aspects of Kerr’s life, including his painkiller addiction, a significant issue highlighted in the original documentary.
Johnson and Safdie’s Long-Awaited Collaboration
Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie have been working on this project since 2019, after Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights to Kerr’s story. Johnson, who started his career in professional wrestling, brings real-life experience to his role as a fighter dealing with fame and personal turmoil.
“My training camp became complete when the man himself, Mark Kerr @markkerrtsm trained with us,” Johnson previously said to mark the start of production. “He’s still a fucking machine, that can close the distance with scary speed and power. I’ll forever be grateful to the core for our his invaluable knowledge he’s been gracious enough to pass onto me and especially for the brotherhood we share.”
Johnson continued, “Locking up with Mark, and feeling his press and power – it’s no surprise he was an NCAA, UFC & VALE TUDO Heavyweight Champion. That’s the A side to success. The B side tells a whole other story.”
The Rock added, “Thank you everyone for all your incredible support thru this intense process and journey.”
Who stars?
Along with Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr’s girlfriend, Dawn Staples. The supporting cast features Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk. Producers include David Koplan, Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, Safdie, and Eli Bush.
Release Details
The Smashing Machine will hit theaters on October 3, 2025. It is produced and financed by A24, the studio known for films like Everything Everywhere All At Once and Uncut Gems.
Watch the trailer:
