Dwayne Johnson, known for his chiseled physique and charismatic roles, is nearly unrecognizable in the first look of his upcoming A24 drama.
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.” Directed by Benny Safdie, this film also stars Johnson’s “Jungle Cruise” co-star, Emily Blunt.
Johnson takes on the challenging role of legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr, while Blunt portrays his wife, Dawn Staples.
The film, which is currently in production, promises to be a gripping portrayal of Kerr’s tumultuous life.
Transformation into Mark Kerr
In “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson not only displays his typically impressive physique but also dons facial prosthetics to more accurately embody Kerr’s appearance.
Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, is a pivotal figure in MMA history.
Kerr’s career was marked by significant achievements, having won over two dozen MMA titles.
However, his journey was also marred by personal struggles, including addiction and a turbulent marriage, themes that the film aims to explore deeply.
The Directorial Vision
This film marks Benny Safdie’s solo feature directorial debut.
Safdie is renowned for his collaboration with his brother Josh on critically acclaimed indie hits such as “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems,” both of which were produced by A24.
Safdie’s directorial approach is known for its raw and real storytelling, which perfectly aligns with the gritty narrative of Kerr’s life.
Interestingly, Safdie acted alongside Blunt in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” which helped solidify their professional relationship.
The Journey to Production
The idea for “The Smashing Machine” first took root in 2019 when Johnson and Safdie connected over the project.
However, the pandemic forced them to put the film on hold.
The project gained renewed momentum when Blunt watched the 2002 documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr” and urged Johnson to revisit the film.
Blunt’s encouragement played a crucial role in reigniting Johnson’s interest in bringing Kerr’s story to the big screen.
Johnson’s Commitment to Authentic Storytelling
In an interview with Variety, Johnson expressed his passion for the project, emphasizing his desire to explore more complex and authentic characters.
“Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting,”Johnson said.
He further explained, “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.”
Production and Future Release
“The Smashing Machine” is being produced by Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, along with Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, Eli Bush, and David Koplan.
The collaboration of such seasoned producers promises a high-quality film that will likely resonate with audiences.
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, A24 has not yet announced an official release date for “The Smashing Machine.”
As Dwayne Johnson takes on the role of Mark Kerr, “The Smashing Machine” is poised to be a powerful exploration of an MMA icon’s life, marked by both triumph and struggle.
With Benny Safdie at the helm, the film promises an unflinching portrayal of Kerr’s battles both inside and outside the ring.
Fans of Johnson and Blunt, as well as followers of MMA and compelling biographical dramas, will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting the release of this highly anticipated film.
The Information is Collected from Variety and IMDb.
