Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is almost unrecognizable in his latest role as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the upcoming A24 biopic The Smashing Machine, set to release in theaters on October 3, 2025.**
Directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems), the film tells the gritty and emotional story of Kerr’s meteoric rise in the world of mixed martial arts during the late 1990s and early 2000s—alongside his struggles with addiction, painkillers, and personal demons.
Emily Blunt stars alongside Johnson as Kerr’s then-wife, Dawn Staples, in what is being described as a raw, character-driven drama. The project marks a significant departure for Johnson, who has fully embraced the physical and psychological demands of portraying the deeply troubled but legendary fighter. Photos and footage from the first official trailer, released on April 29, show the actor in full prosthetics and wearing a wig to resemble the real-life UFC pioneer.
The film is inspired by the 2002 HBO documentary of the same name, which explored the brutal world of early MMA through Kerr’s lens. A24 hopes to build on the success of other prestige sports dramas, and some critics are already calling this Johnson’s most Oscar-worthy performance to date.
Adding to the film’s authenticity, several real-life combat sports stars will make appearances, including UFC legend Bas Rutten, Bellator champion Ryan Bader, and heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, who plays Ukrainian MMA fighter Igor Vovchanchyn.
The Smashing Machine is being positioned as more than just a sports film—it’s a story of pain, redemption, and the high personal cost of greatness.
