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24m ago

The Smashing Machine Hits Theaters With Dwayne Johnson’s Transformative Turn

Critics praise Johnson’s metamorphosis despite reservations about the film’s low‑key script.

Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr in “Smashing Machine.”
Emily Blunt, right, and Dwayne Johnson in a scene from “The Smashing Machine.”
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Director Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson on set for the filming of “Smashing Machine.”

Overview

  • The A24 biopic opens Oct. 3 after Venice and Toronto premieres that generated awards buzz for Johnson.
  • Benny Safdie’s first solo feature adapts John Hyams’s 2002 documentary to chronicle MMA pioneer Mark Kerr.
  • Reviews broadly commend Johnson’s restrained, prosthetics‑assisted performance, while several fault the meandering tone and uneven screenplay.
  • Authenticity is foregrounded with real fighters on screen, including Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman and Bas Rutten as himself, alongside grounded fight staging.
  • Kerr said he cried watching an early cut and noted he learned later that Johnson would wear extensive prosthetics by Oscar winner Kazu Hiro.