A24 has released the first image of Dwayne Johnson in the upcoming MMA drama, The Smashing Machine.
In The Smashing Machine, Johnson plays Mark Kerr, a former mixed martial artist and MMA fighter who became one of the sport’s earliest stars. However, Kerr was battling drug addiction and a tumultuous marriage outside of the ring. In 2002, Kerr shared his personal experiences for HBO’s critically acclaimed documentary, The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.
The first look image shows Kerr (Johnson) sitting in the ring corner as a trainer works on his body. Looking up at Kerr from outside the ropes is his wife, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. “While trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world,” per A24.
What to Expect in The Smashing Machine?
“The Smashing Machine follows Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career,” the official synopsis reads. “He struggles with addiction, winning, love, and friendship in the year 2000.”
Benny Safdie writes, produces, and directs The Smashing Machine. This marks Safdie’s solo feature directorial debut. He previously directed films like Uncut Gems and Good Time with his brother, Josh. Safdie will produce under his Out for the Count banner.
Additional producers include Johnson and Dany Garcia for Seven Bucks Productions, Eli Bush, and David Koplan.
The Smashing Machine is currently in production. It has no release date from A24.
