Info in Movie News | After years of headlining summer blockbusters and action-packed adventures, Dwayne Johnson is taking a bold new step in his career. In The Smashing Machine, a new A24 drama directed by Benny Safdie, Johnson plays real-life MMA legend Mark Kerr, and the first trailer already has fans and critics buzzing about his unrecognizable transformation.
According to Collider, Johnson has taken this role extremely seriously, both physically and emotionally. He steps into the life of Kerr, a dominant force in early MMA who found fame in the UFC and Japan’s PRIDE, while privately struggling with addiction and personal chaos. The role gives Johnson a chance to show sides of himself audiences haven’t seen, vulnerability, rage, and raw emotion.
This project reunites Johnson with Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s then-wife, Dawn Staples. But unlike their previous lighthearted pairing in Jungle Cruise, the tone here is intense and dramatic. The cast additionally has Lyndsey Gavin, Bas Rutten (appearing as himself), Ryan Bader, and the former world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk joining the ranks of MMA legends that are being presented.
More of the authenticity comes not only from the cast but also from Safdie's directing style that is known for its gritty realness and character-driven plot, perfectly fitting with Kerr's turbulent history. And the MMA community is paying close attention. UFC president Dana White told Collider that Johnson could even be in the running for an Oscar, praising his dedication and the passion he’s poured into the movie.
“This is personal for him,” White said. “He’s been working nonstop on this and I’ve seen what he’s doing behind the scenes. He’s all in.”
The Rock, known for charisma and big-budget hits, is clearly aiming for something different here. This isn’t just another fight movie. It’s a portrait of a man caught between greatness and self-destruction, and Johnson seems ready to bring that complexity to life.
The Smashing Machine hits theaters on October 3, 2025. By the looks of the trailer, it seems that people are going for a show that might change their perception of Dwayne Johnson, the person they know as a star, to a person that is a highly acclaimed performer. More to come as the movie gets closer to the box office.
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