WWE
The first look at Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr in the upcoming A24 film The Smashing Machine has been released. In addition to The Rock, The Smashing Machine also stars Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt.
Blunt, who starred alongside The Rock in Disney’s Jungle Cruise, features in the film as Kerr’s wife Dawn Staples.
“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 when the project was announced in late 2023.
“I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain,” The Rock told Variety about the role earlier this year.
The Smashing Machine is particularly notable as it will 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 his voice role in Moana and him playing himself in Fighting with My Family).
The film will also be Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut, as he previously helmed the films Good Time and Uncut Gems with his brother Josh.
Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, made his UFC debut at UFC 14 in Birmingham, Alabama on July 27, 1997. He was also an NCAA Division 1 champion in wrestling, a gold and silver medalist at the Wrestling World Cup.
At this time, A24 has yet to give The Smashing Machine an official release date. That said, given it’s in the throes of production, a late 2024 release seems likely.
Later this year, The Rock will next be seen starring in the Prime Video holiday film Red One alongside Chris Evans and Moana 2.