A24 has released the official trailer for The Smashing Machine, the upcoming drama that finds Dwayne Johnson in what could be a career-shifting role: playing MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The solo feature directorial debut for Benny Safdie (he previously directed Uncut Gems and Good Times with his brother, Josh Safdie), the film explores fame, addiction, and personal struggle against the brutal backdrop of early mixed martial arts.
Based on the real-life story previously chronicled in the 2002 HBO documentary of the same name, The Smashing Machine finds Johnson almost unrecognisable, embodying the two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion both physically and emotionally.
The promising trailer, set to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” offers a glimpse at the intense highs and devastating lows of Kerr’s life — from roaring crowds to the dark descent into addiction. Johnson, wearing facial prosthetics and speaking with an Ohio accent, steps far outside his usual blockbuster territory for what looks to be his most dramatic performance to date. With The Smashing Machine and this Martin Scorsese crime-drama (that will also star Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt) on the horizon, it’s clear that Johnson is entering a decidedly different era as an actor.
OTHER POSTS:
“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.”
Alongside Johnson, Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr’s partner Dawn Staples, reuniting with Johnson following their work together on Jungle Cruise. The cast also features Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin, and Oleksandr Usyk. Notably, Kerr himself worked closely with Safdie on the script, with both serving as co-writers.
The Smashing Machine is scheduled to hit Australian cinemas on October 2nd and U.S. cinemas on October 3rd.
