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The Rock, usually known for his work on action comedies, blockbusters, and tequila promotion, is set to take a turn into dramatic work as he has signed on to star in The Smashing Machine.
The Smashing Machine will see Dwayne Johnson feature as MMA fighter Mark Kerr, who was the subject of the 2003 HBO documentary of the same name, which detailed his career, personal struggles with substance abuse, and his relationships with his then-girlfriend and friend Mark Coleman.
The film will be directed by Benny Safdie, one-half of the directorial duo that helmed Good Time and Uncut Gems.
“Dwayne and Benny are singular talents, and their shared vision for Mark’s inspiring story is electrifying. We are deeply honored to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life,” A24 said in a statement.
In addition to The Smashing Machine, Johnson is set to star in the Prime Video holiday film Red One alongside Chris Evans, a sequel to his Netflix film Red Notice alongside Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, Fast X: Part 2 and another spinoff focused on his character Luke Hobbs.
Looking through his filmography, The Smashing Machine is set to be The Rock’s first role in a movie that’s not an action, comedy, or blockbuster since Michael Bay’s Pain & Gain in 2013 (not counting Moana and him playing himself in Fighting with My Family).
During his career, Kerr was an NCAA Division 1 champion in wrestling, a gold and silver medalist at the Wrestling World Cup, and a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. Kerr made his UFC debut at UFC 14 in Birmingham, Alabama on July 27, 1997.