Dwayne Johnson transforms into UFC fighter Mark Kerr, showcasing a drastic change in appearance in the trailer for 'The Smashing Machine'
Prepare for a Towering Portrayal from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the gritty and intense biographical drama, "The Smashing Machine". This film is set to leave audiences spellbound as Johnson takes on the intricate role of MMA and UFC legend, Mark Kerr.
The movie will unravel Kerr's harrowing rise to prominence in the UFC, shedding light on the ruthless sport that consumed his life. The recently released trailer for "The Smashing Machine" offers an unnerving glimpse into Kerr's tumultuous life, focusing on his struggles with addiction, the brutal nature of combat sports, and his tempestuous relationship with his girlfriend, portrayed by Johnson's on-screen partner from "Jungle Cruise", the breathtaking Emily Blunt.
Johnson's sonorous voice can be heard in the trailer, as Kerr confesses, "Winning is the best feeling in the world. It's 40,000 people cheering you on. There's no other high like it in the world."
It seems that Johnson has immersed himself into Kerr's persona with the utmost precision, employing facial prosthetics to mirror Kerr's physically transformative 12-year career that began in the late '90s[1]. This role marks a profound departure from Johnson's usual action-packed films like "San Andreas" and "Skyscraper".
Johnson has openly expressed his motivation behind playing Kerr, admitting, "It was also an opportunity for me, I realized, to stretch myself in ways that I hadn't been stretched yet. And also challenge myself in ways that I hadn't been challenged," he told GQ last year[2].
After lending his voice to the animated sequel, "Moana 2", Johnson has been making waves in the wrestling world following his surprise return to WWE in 2023[3]. Last year, he became a member of the board of directors for TKO Group Holdings, the company that emerged from the merge of WWE and UFC.
Directed by Benny Safdie, renowned for his collaborative work with his brother Josh on critically-acclaimed films like "Uncut Gems", "The Smashing Machine" is Safdie's solo directorial debut[4]. The film delves deep into the heart-wrenching details of Kerr's life, providing a raw and unflinching portrayal of the human side of a sports icon.
So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be captivated as you join Dwayne Johnson on this riveting journey through the life of one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time - Mark Kerr, in "The Smashing Machine", hitting theaters on 3rd October!
References:1. https://www.deadline.com/2023/01/dwayne-johnson-the-smashing-machine-a24-benny-safdie-1234990622/2. https://www.gq.com/story/dwayne-johnson-interview-the-gq-award-winners-20233. https://variety.com/2022/film/news/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-wwe-ufc-operation-underground-deal-1235283665/4. https://www.deadline.com/2023/01/benny-safdie-directing-a24s-the-smashing-machine-starring-dwayne-johnson-emily-blunt-1234990805/
- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's portrayal of Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine" promises a shift from his usual action-packed movies, delving into the intense world of mixed-martial-arts and exploring Kerr's life struggles.
- Johnson's role as Kerr, a UFC legend, will showcase his acting versatility, with the use of facial prosthetics to reflect Kerr's physical transformation over his 12-year career.
- After voicing a character in "Moana 2" and returning to the wrestling world, Johnson has now taken on a challenging role in the biographical drama "The Smashing Machine", directed by Benny Safdie, famed for his work on "Uncut Gems".
- The entertainment industry will be buzzing on 3rd October, as audiences worldwide will eagerly watch Johnson bring the gripping story of Mark Kerr to life on the big screen, with entertainment offerings such as sports, movies-and-tv, and mixed-martial-arts eagerly anticipating this epic portrayal.
