Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” stars Dwayne Johnson as MMA fighter Mark Kerr. This is said to be Johnson’s first independent film since 2005’s “Southland Tales,” and the first in a string of arthouse roles Johnson is set to embark on.
Back in May 2024, an image was released of Johnson as Kerr, and although taken at a fair distance, it revealed a transformation that made the actor look damn-near unrecognizable. Johnson covered up his signature tattoos, added a wig, and appeared to put on some heavy face makeup to look the part.
Some new on-set images have been posted via Kerr’s Instagram; they confirm Johnson’s indistinguishable look — you can see them below. Kerr’s career peaked during the “no-holds-barred era of the UFC,” in the early 2000s. His life, filled with substance abuse addiction, was the topic of an insightful 2002 documentary, “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.”
In the meantime, ‘Smashing Machine’ is set for October 3 release via A24. Based on what I’ve heard, this will be a tricky movie for A24 to market. It should be noted that the film is not a typical biopic and is said to be “indescribable in tone and style.” You can read more about it here.
