Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has shared a first look at his dramatic transformation for the upcoming A24 biographical sports drama, The Smashing Machine, which chronicles the life of former wrestler and MMA star Mark Kerr. This role marks a significant departure for Johnson, who is best known for his work in action-packed blockbusters and family-friendly films.
In a still image posted to Instagram on Tuesday, the 52-year-old actor is seen sitting in the corner of a wrestling ring, sporting a full head of hair and extensive makeup and prosthetics to embody the heavyweight champion. Johnson’s iconic tattoos are also covered up for the role, showcasing his dedication to accurately portraying Kerr.
“First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring [The Rock] and Emily Blunt,” Johnson captioned the post. The film, directed by Benny Safdie, also stars Emily Blunt and promises to dive deep into the tumultuous life of Kerr, whose struggles with substance abuse and complex personal relationships were previously explored in a 2002 HBO documentary of the same name.
Earlier that day, Johnson gave fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his preparation for the role, revealing that he trained with Kerr himself. “My training camp became complete when the man himself, Mark Kerr, trained with us,” Johnson wrote in the caption of a series of photos. “He’s still a f–king machine, that can close the distance with scary speed and power. I’ll forever be grateful to the core for his invaluable knowledge he’s been gracious enough to pass onto me and especially for the brotherhood we share.”
The film’s production is still in its early stages, with the first day of shooting marked by the Instagram post. While a release date for The Smashing Machine has not yet been finalized, audiences can look forward to its theatrical debut sometime in 2025. This highly anticipated biographical drama is set to offer a raw and unflinching look at the life of one of MMA’s most complex figures, brought to life by one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
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