First Look: Dwayne Johnson unrecognizable as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine
Dwayne Johnson stunned fans on Sunday night by revealing a new look for his upcoming film The Smashing Machine. The biographical sports drama, directed by Benny Safdie and produced by A24, casts Johnson as legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The film is set for theatrical release on October 3, 2025.
The first poster, shared by Johnson on April 28 via his social media accounts, shows a radical transformation. Wearing cropped black hair, covered-up tattoos, and subtle prosthetic makeup, Johnson is unrecognizable. The rough-and-tumble image suggests at the film’s emotionally intense nature, documenting Kerr’s rise in MMA and his battles with addiction and the pressures of fame.
Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and four-time ADCC World Champion, was one of the MMA’s biggest name in the late 1990s. The Smashing Machine will explore his dominance in the cage but also his personal demons—material initially explored in the 2002 HBO documentary.
As reported by Social News, the movie also stars Emily Blunt as Kerr’s then-wife Dawn Staples, and includes cameos by MMA personalities Oleksandr Usyk and Bas Rutten.
With A24’s support, The Smashing Machine is poised to be more than a sports film – offering a deep exploration of the intricacies of fame, pain, and determination.
With the official trailer set to premiere today, anticipation is high. Both fans and critics are eager to see how Johnson navigates this challenging role, which is expected to be a game-changer in his career.”
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