Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson takes on his most physically and emotionally demanding role yet in The Smashing Machine, A24’s upcoming biographical drama about UFC pioneer Mark Kerr. The newly released trailer (April 29) shows Johnson, 52, fully embodying the MMA legend—from his brutal fights in Dana White’s early UFC days to his personal battles with pain and addiction.
The film marks Johnson’s return to the combat sports world after decades as a WWE superstar-turned-Hollywood icon. In gripping footage, he captures Kerr’s raw intensity—both in the octagon during his climactic fight with friend Mark Coleman, and in private struggles with his then-wife Dawn (Emily Blunt).
One poignant scene shows Blunt’s character cheering ringside, while another reveals Kerr signing an autograph for a young fan with a playful warning: “Don’t get into fighting.”
Kerr, now 56, expressed awe at Johnson’s transformation, sharing the film’s poster on Instagram: “I remain in disbelief that this is real… I have so much gratitude for every little detail production uncovered.” His harrowing journey was first documented in HBO’s 2002 film The Smashing Machine, which exposed MMA’s physical and psychological toll.
Directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems), this marks Johnson’s first dramatic lead role since 2021’s Young Rock—and could redefine his acting career. With A24’s signature gritty realism and Blunt’s powerful supporting performance, The Smashing Machine (release date TBA) promises to be more than a sports biopic: a visceral exploration of glory’s cost.
