Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, is known for his big smile, ripped body, and trademark tattoos. However, Johnson has completely transformed his appearance to play Mark Kerr inThe Smashing Machine.
A24 has released the first image of Johnson as Kerr, a former wrestler and MMA star who rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Despite fighting for a living, Kerr’s biggest battles came outside of the sport as he struggled with drug addiction and marital problems. As Kerr, Johnson is seen with no tattoos and a full head of hair as he sits in the corner of the ring while trainers work on his body.
“TheSmashing Machinefollows Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career,” theofficial synopsisreads. “He struggles with addiction, winning, love, and friendship in the year 2000.”
Kerr’s fascinating life was previously portrayed in HBO’s documentary,The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.
Johnson’s co-star inThe Smashing Machineis Emily Blunt. The actress is seen in the bottom-right corner of the image looking at Kerr. Blunt stars as Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples. “While trying to set up a life together, she struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world,” per A24. Blunt and Johnson previously starred together in2021’sJungle Cruise.
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The Smashing Machinemarks a major change of direction for Johnson. Over the last five years, the WWE superstar has predominantly starred in expensive blockbusters, includingBlack Adam,Red Notice,Jumanji: The Next Level, andFast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.The Smashing Machineis one of Johnson’s first dramatic roles in over a decade.
The Smashing Machinestems from Benny Safdie, who writes, directs, and produces the A24 drama. This marks Safdie’s solo feature directorial debut. Benny is one half of the Safdie Brothers alongside his brother Josh. The Safdie Brothers are best known for directingUncut GemsandGood Time.
The Smashing Machineis now filming. It has no official release date as of press time.
