‘Smashing Machine’ First Look: Dwayne Johnson Transforms Into MMA Icon Mark Kerr
![The Smashing Machine](https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screen-Shot-2024-05-21-at-9.04.46-AM.png?w=1000&h=667&crop=1)
Dwayne Johnson is unrecognizable in the first look at his upcoming drama The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring his “Jungle Cruise” screen partner Emily Blunt.
The film casts Johnson as legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr, who struggled with addiction and his marriage while becoming an icon of the sport.
Oscar nominee Emily Blunt (“Oppenheimer”) is starring as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife.
The film is currently in production.
While Johnson looks typically ripped as Kerr in The Smashing Machine first look, he appears to be sporting facial prosthetics to help him transform into the MMA legend.
Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Over the course of his career, he won over two dozen MMA titles.
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.
A24 has not yet announced a release date for “The Smashing Machine.”