Dwayne Johnson's Unrecognizable Transformation in A24's 'The Smashing Machine' as MMA Legend Mark Kerr

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has a new look for his role in the movie The Smashing Machine.

The first image from the upcoming A24 film was released on Tuesday, May 21. In the photo, Johnson, 52, is seen portraying MMA fighter Mark Kerr.

In the movie The Smashing Machine, the actor can be seen with Kerr's signature hairstyle while sitting in a ring. Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr's ex-wife Dawn Staples, watches with concern.

The film, written and directed by Benny Safdie, follows the story of Kerr, a wrestler who transitions into an MMA fighter and gains fame in the sport. This movie is Safdie's first solo directorial project at the age of 38, after previously co-directing films like Uncut Gems and Good Time with his brother Josh Safdie.

Johnson, Blunt, and Benny have been interested in The Smashing Machine since 2019 when Johnson's Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights to Kerr's life story. After working together on the film Jungle Cruise in 2021, Johnson shared the 2002 documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr with Blunt. Johnson expressed his desire to "sink my teeth" into the role of Kerr during a conversation with Blunt, who is 41 years old, as he mentioned in an interview with Variety in January.

Johnson remembered receiving a call from Blunt after she watched the documentary, urging him to create a movie based on it. As things started to come together, Johnson felt confident that Benny, 38, was the perfect person for the task.

Johnson shared with Variety that Benny is driven to create by pushing boundaries with raw and authentic stories, and characters that are both uncomfortable and captivating. He expressed his desire to challenge himself in new ways and create films that delve into the depths of humanity, exploring themes of struggle and pain.

The Smashing Machine Dwayne Johnson The Rock

Johnson clarified that "The Smashing Machine" does not indicate a permanent departure from the blockbuster movies he is known for. He mentioned that there is still a time and space for such films.

Johnson expressed his desire for personal growth in his career. He emphasized that he is seeking more humanity, not just more box office success.

On Instagram, Johnson shared a glimpse of his training for the movie, including a special visit from Kerr himself.

"He's an absolute beast, able to move in quickly with incredible speed and strength," Johnson said as he posted pictures of him and Kerr training together. "I'll always appreciate the wisdom he's shared with me and the strong bond we have as brothers."

There is no official release date yet for The Smashing Machine.

Editor's P/S:

Dwayne Johnson's transformation into MMA fighter Mark Kerr for "The Smashing Machine" showcases his commitment to exploring diverse characters and pushing boundaries. The film promises to be a raw and intimate portrayal of Kerr's journey, delving into themes of struggle and pain. Johnson's collaboration with director Benny Safdie, known for his authentic and challenging films, suggests a high level of artistic ambition. The actor's desire for personal growth and his passion for portraying complex characters make this project particularly intriguing.

The article highlights Johnson's dedication to the role, including his training with Kerr and his close bond with the fighter. The film's focus on Kerr's transition from wrestling to MMA adds an interesting element to the story, exploring the challenges and triumphs of an athlete navigating a new sport. While Johnson's departure from blockbuster movies may be temporary, "The Smashing Machine" demonstrates his willingness to embrace new genres and showcase his range as an actor.