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2h ago

The Smashing Machine Opens as Reviews Applaud Johnson’s Transformation and Authentic MMA Detail

The biopic centers on Mark Kerr’s battle with opioid addiction and the toll of early-era mixed martial arts.

Mark Kerr and Dwayne Johnson attend the premiere of "The Smashing Machine" during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on Sept. 8, 2025.
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Overview

  • The A24 release, directed by Benny Safdie, follows UFC pioneer Mark Kerr and draws on the 2002 HBO documentary of the same name.
  • Critics widely cite Dwayne Johnson’s performance as a career best with awards-season buzz, with Emily Blunt also earning strong notices.
  • Several reviews fault the film’s script and structure, calling the chosen time slice and overall cohesion uneven.
  • Authenticity is a focus, featuring real fighters on screen: Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman, plus Bas Rutten, Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu, Satoshi Ishii, and a cameo from Oleksandr Usyk.
  • Johnson says he gained over 30 pounds and used extensive prosthetics for the role, while Safdie stages fights in a television broadcast style to heighten realism.