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5d ago

Dwayne Johnson's Transformation Stuns in 'The Smashing Machine' Trailer

The first trailer for the A24 biopic highlights Johnson's portrayal of UFC legend Mark Kerr, showcasing a dramatic physical transformation and emotional depth.

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The Smashing Machine
Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine.

Overview

  • The trailer for 'The Smashing Machine,' directed by Benny Safdie, debuted on April 29, 2025, featuring Dwayne Johnson in an unrecognizable role as MMA legend Mark Kerr.
  • Johnson's transformation includes the use of prosthetic makeup and a wig, paired with a bulked-up physique to authentically portray the two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion.
  • The film explores Kerr's rise in mixed martial arts, his struggles with addiction, and his tumultuous personal relationships, including his marriage to Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt.
  • A24 is positioning the October 3, 2025 release as a prestige drama, with early marketing emphasizing Johnson's career shift toward character-driven roles.
  • The project marks Safdie's solo directorial debut and has been in development since Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights to Kerr's story in 2019.