The Smashing Machine First Look: Dwayne Johnson’s Stunning Transformation As MMA Icon Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s Upcoming Film (View Pic)
Dwayne Johnson looks completely different in the first look for The Smashing Machine. He plays real-life MMA legend Mark Kerr in the film, alongside Emily Blunt as Kerr's wife. The movie, directed by Benny Safdie, is currently in production.
The first look of actor Dwayne Johnson from his upcoming film The Smashing Machine has been unveiled. In the film, Johnson is cast to play Mark Kerr, a former wrestler and mixed martial artist who's also a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. In the first look of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne, aka The Rock, looks unrecognizable, with prosthetics and a wig. The film, directed by Benny Safdie, also stars Dwayne's Jungle Cruise screen partner Emily Blunt. Blunt is starring as Dawn Staples, Kerr's wife. The film is currently in production, as per Variety. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Shares Glimpses of Preparations for Hollywood Movie ‘The Smashing Machine’ Where He Portrays Iconic MMA Fighter Mark Kerr (See Pics).
The Smashing Machine marks the solo feature directorial debut of Benny Safdie, who collaborated with his brother Josh on A24's indie hits such as Good Time and Uncut Gems. Benny acted alongside Blunt in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. Johnson and Safdie first connected on the project in 2019 but fell out of touch and put the film on hold due to the pandemic. Years later, Johnson and Blunt were on the phone when Blunt revealed she had just watched the 2002 documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr and encouraged Johnson: "You must make this movie." The Rock Returns! Dwayne Johnson Makes A Comeback in WWE After Four Years, Delivers People's Elbow to Austin Theory in Presence of Pat McAfee (Watch Videos).
Dwayne Johnson's Transformative First Look as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine Unveiled
Johnson previously told Variety that he was partially attracted to The Smashing Machine because "Benny wants to create and continues to push the envelope regarding stories that are raw and real, characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting. 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. I'm at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity and explore struggle [and] pain." Johnson and Dany Garcia's Seven Bucks Productions are producing the film alongside Safdie's Out for the Count banner, Eli Bush and David Koplan.