By The initial trailer for The Smashing Machine has been unveiled, offering a raw glimpse into the life of a UFC champion.
In the clip, which you can view above, Dwayne Johnson appears virtually unidentifiable as MMA fighter and two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion Mark Kerr. We observe Kerr in several matches, along with him discussing his philosophy regarding the sport. Johnson, having begun his career as a professional wrestler, seems perfectly suited for this role.
Emily Blunt, co-starring as Kerr’s spouse Dawn Staples, also plays a significant role in the footage, indicating that the stress of supporting Kerr and his professional journey takes its toll on her.
The film is penned and directed by Benny Safdie in his debut solo directorial project, following previous collaborations with his brother Josh Safdie on titles such as Uncut Gems and Good Time. Benny Safdie also acts, with his recent portrayals including Edward Teller in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (and a forthcoming role in The Odyssey) and Nari in Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The Smashing Machine was first announced to be in development in late 2023, with Benny Safdie and Johnson having worked on it since 2019. HBO previously aired a documentary about Kerr in 2002, also named The Smashing Machine, which delved into his fighting journey and struggles with painkiller dependency. “The Smashing Machine” is Ker