A24 has officially released the trailer for The Smashing Machine, a haunting and visceral biographical drama that promises to redefine the cinematic image of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, Good Time) in his first solo directorial venture, the film dives deep into the real-life story of Mark Kerr, a former UFC champion whose rise to glory was matched only by his descent into addiction, self-destruction, and emotional isolation.
Set for theatrical release on October 3, 2025, The Smashing Machine is already generating awards-season buzz, showcasing Johnson in his most transformative and dramatic role to date.
A Radical Performance Shift: Dwayne Johnson Leaves Blockbusters Behind for Raw Character Work
In The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson sheds his larger-than-life persona to embody Mark Kerr physically, emotionally, and psychologically fully. With a shaved head, extensive facial prosthetics, and an Ohio accent, Johnson is nearly unrecognizable as the former two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. But it’s more than the physical transformation that’s drawing attention; it’s the profound vulnerability.
“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,” Johnson told Variety in a 2024 interview. “I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity and explore struggle [and] pain.”
The trailer, set to Frank Sinatra’s melancholic “My Way,” is a montage of brutal cage fights, pill bottles, hospital rooms, and empty hotel corridors. It paints a stark portrait of a man lost between public glory and private agony.
The Pain Beneath the Power: The True Story Behind Mark Kerr’s Turbulent MMA Legacy
The film is based on the real-life story chronicled in HBO’s 2002 documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr. That raw, cinéma vérité documentary revealed the underbelly of early MMA, far from today’s commercial sheen, where fighters endured unimaginable punishment with little support. Safdie’s film doesn’t flinch from this brutality and instead uses it as a lens to explore identity, masculinity, and emotional trauma.
Kerr, who worked closely with Safdie and Johnson during the film’s development, is also credited as a co-writer. His involvement ensures authenticity, grounding the film in the brutal truths of his own experience.
Emotional Anchors and Real Fighters: A Supporting Cast That Blends Intimacy and Grit
Reuniting with Johnson for the first time since Jungle Cruise, Emily Blunt stars as Kerr’s longtime partner, Dawn Staples, portraying the emotional toll his spiraling addiction took on their relationship. Critics are already pointing to her performance as a potential awards contender, bringing quiet resilience and heartbreak to the screen.
Joining the cast are:
- Bas Rutten, a real-life MMA fighter, as Kerr’s coach and friend
- Lyndsey Gavin, in an as-yet-undisclosed but pivotal role
- Oleksandr Usyk, heavyweight boxing champion, playing Russian MMA legend Igor Vovchanchyn
- Ryan Bader, portraying fellow UFC legend Mark Coleman
These additions lend an authentic touch to the film’s portrayal of early MMA, where the lines between competition, friendship, and survival often blur.
A Director Steps Into the Spotlight: Benny Safdie Crafts a Gritty, Introspective Drama
While Safdie previously co-directed adrenaline-fueled films like Uncut Gems with his brother Josh, The Smashing Machine marks his first solo project and a noticeable shift in tone. Here, the chaos is interior. The camera lingers on faces, silences, and gestures, not just fists and blood.
Shot by cinematographer Maceo Bishop on gritty 16mm film stock, the visuals feel raw, almost documentary-like, capturing the claustrophobia of locker rooms, rehab centers, and lonely hotel beds. Belgian composer Nala Sinephro provides the score, a haunting ambient arrangement that echoes the character’s growing sense of dislocation.
Bringing the World of MMA to Life: Realism Through Location, Format, and Choreography
Principal photography took place between May and August 2024, with scenes shot in New Mexico, Vancouver, and Tokyo. These locations reflect the globe-trotting nature of Kerr’s MMA career and its international scope. The fight choreography, overseen by professional trainers and MMA consultants, has been praised for its realism and intensity.
The film is produced by A24, along with Seven Bucks Productions (Johnson’s company), Out for the Count, and Sikelia Productions. Every creative element, from the camera format to the lighting design, seems chosen to immerse viewers in the grit and pain of Kerr’s world.
An Actor Redefined: A Career-Turning Role That Could Earn Johnson Oscar Consideration
With The Smashing Machine, Johnson appears poised to shed his long-held identity as the charismatic action star and embrace more complex, character-driven narratives. Early reactions suggest the film could mark a career-defining moment, potentially positioning Johnson as a legitimate contender in the 2026 awards season.
If successful, the film could represent not only a personal evolution for Johnson but a broader shift in Hollywood’s understanding of his range as an actor.
Mark Your Calendar: A24 Brings The Smashing Machine to Theaters This Fall
A24 will release The Smashing Machine in theaters nationwide on October 3, 2025, with international rollout dates expected to follow. As the buzz intensifies, anticipation is building for what could be one of the year’s most emotionally charged and transformative films.
