Dwayne Johnson undergoes his most captivating on-screen metamorphosis yet in the eagerly anticipated first trailer for "The Smashing Machine," a gripping biopic that charts the journey of two-time UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr. A24 unveiled the dramatic teaser on Tuesday morning, setting the stage for an emotional cinematic experience.
Making his solo directorial debut, Benny Safdie, half of the acclaimed Safdie brothers who co-directed and wrote "Uncut Gems" and "Good Time," helms this powerful film. Joining Johnson in the star-studded cast is Emily Blunt, who portrays Kerr's wife, Dawn Staples, alongside Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin, and Oleksandr Usyk. This marks the second collaboration between Johnson and Blunt, following their hit adventure "Jungle Cruise" in 2021, and they are soon to team up again with Leonardo DiCaprio in a Hawaiian crime thriller directed by Martin Scorsese.
Kerr, a mixed martial artist who competed from 1997 to 2009 and claimed four ADCC World Championships, was the subject of an insightful 2002 HBO documentary titled "The Smashing Machine," which delved into his struggles with substance abuse and turbulent personal relationships.
In an interview with Variety, Johnson revealed his desire to work with Safdie on this project due to the director's relentless pursuit of authenticity and raw storytelling. "Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to narratives that are unfiltered and real, characters that are genuine and, at times, uncomfortable and arresting," Johnson said. "I'm at a point in my career where I want to challenge myself in ways I haven't before. I aspire to make films that resonate, that explore humanity, struggle, pain, and the full spectrum of the human experience."
Kerr and Safdie co-wrote the screenplay, with Safdie, Johnson, Danny Garcia, Eli Bush, Hiram Garcia, and David Koplan serving as producers. Tracey Landon executive produces the film, promising a deeply moving and impactful cinematic journey.
