Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie Partner with A24 for ‘THE SMASHING MACHINE’ Film

A24, the renowned independent film company, is set to produce and finance a gripping drama titled “THE SMASHING MACHINE,” featuring Dwayne Johnson in the lead role. The film, written and directed by Benny Safdie, delves into the life of Mark Kerr, a legendary MMA fighter who rose to prominence during the no-holds-barred era of the UFC in 2000.

Mark Kerr, an American former wrestler and mixed martial artist, boasts an impressive resume, including being a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, a World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, and a PRIDE FC Heavyweight Champion. His story is one of triumphs and tribulations, navigating addiction, the pursuit of victory, and the complexities of love and friendship at the pinnacle of his career.

The collaboration on this project began in 2019 when Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions secured the rights. Benny Safdie, known for his unique directorial style, will helm the film under his Out for the Count banner. Eli Bush and David Koplan join as producers, solidifying a powerhouse team to bring Kerr’s compelling narrative to the screen.

A24, recognized for its commitment to groundbreaking storytelling, has enthusiastically partnered with Seven Bucks Productions and Out for the Count. Noah Sacco from A24 expressed deep honor and trust in collaborating with Johnson and Safdie, describing their shared vision for Mark’s inspiring story as electrifying.

Mark Kerr’s remarkable journey, chronicled in a 2003 HBO documentary of the same name, becomes the foundation for this upcoming drama. The documentary delves into Kerr’s MMA career, encompassing Vale Tudo, the UFC, and PRIDE, establishing him as a dominant force in the realm of mixed martial arts.

With Johnson’s representation handled by WME and The Lede Company, and Safdie represented by WME, Untitled Entertainment, and Narrative, “THE SMASHING MACHINE” promises to be a captivating exploration of resilience, sacrifice, and the human spirit against the backdrop of the intense world of MMA.

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