First images of Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in “The Smashing Machine,” Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut.
A24 has unveiled the first images of Dwayne Johnson portraying UFC champion Mark Kerr in the upcoming film “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie.
A Powerful Image
The only shared image depicts the actor and former professional wrestler seated in the corner of a ring amidst a fight, sporting what appear to be prosthetics to resemble Kerr more closely. Joining Johnson and his trainers in this first look is his “Jungle Cruise” co-star, Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples, and can be seen sitting at the edge of the ring.
Safdie’s Solo Debut
“The Smashing Machine” will mark Safdie’s solo directorial debut following his creative separation from his older brother, Josh. The film will track Kerr’s journey as a professional wrestler and his struggles with substance abuse. The release date has yet to be announced.
Mark Kerr’s Career
During his tenure as an active wrestler, Kerr was a two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion, winner of the World Vale Tudo Championship tournament, and a competitor in PRIDE FC. As a wrestler, he was a Division I NCAA champion and won medals at the World Cup and Pan American Games.
With promising performances from Johnson and Blunt, and Safdie’s direction, “The Smashing Machine” promises to be an unmissable film exploring the highs and lows of the life of a legendary wrestler.
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