The first glimpse at Dwayne Johnson’s forthcoming A24 drama “The Smashing Machine,” which will be co-starring Emily Blunt and directed by Benny Safdie, is almost unrecognizable. Johnson will be making his “Jungle Cruise” co-star.
Johnson is cast in the film as the legendary mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, who battled addiction and marital issues while ascending to the status of a sports icon. Blunt is starring as Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples.
Presently, the film is under production. Johnson, who in the first look for “The Smashing Machine” appears typically muscular as Kerr, also appears to be donning facial prosthetics that facilitate his transformation into the MMA legend.
Kerr was the reigning UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and a two-time World Vale Tudo Championship victor. His career-long MMA accomplishments included the acquisition of more than two dozen titles.
Safdie directs “The Smashing Machine” as his first feature-length installment independently.
Prior to this, he and his brother Josh worked on A24’s independent successes, including “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems.”
Alongside Blunt, Benny appeared in the Christopher Nolan film “Opppenheimer.”
Due to the pandemic, Johnson and Safdie, who had initially collaborated on the project in 2019, lost contact and decided to postpone the movie.
Years later, Johnson and Blunt were on the phone when Blunt advised Johnson, “You must make this film,” after revealing she had just viewed the 2002 documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.”
Johnson previously stated to Variety that “The Smashing Machine” appealed to him in part because “Benny continues to push the boundaries when it comes to raw and authentic stories, genuine characters who are at times unsettling and arresting,” and because of this.
At this juncture in my professional journey, I am motivated to challenge myself in ways that have not been previously undertaken. “At this point in my career, I want to create films that are significant, that delve into the human condition, struggle, and pain.”
The film is being produced by Seven Bucks Productions, which is led by Dany Garcia and Johnson, in addition to Eli Bush and David Koplan, Safdie’s Out for the Count banner.
“The Smashing Machine” has not been assigned a release date by A24 at this time.