The Smashing Machine: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of a Fighting Legend
The Smashing Machine (2025) — Everything You Need to Know
Overview
The Smashing Machine is a much-anticipated biographical sports drama directed, written, and edited by Benny Safdie, marking his debut solo directorial effort. Scheduled for release on October 3, 2025, by A24, the film will first premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, followed by a screening at TIFF.
Subject & Story
The film chronicles the tumultuous life of Mark Kerr, a legendary MMA fighter famed for his ferocious style and dominance in the late 1990s. Known as The Smashing Machine, Kerr achieved extraordinary success—including two consecutive UFC Heavyweight Tournament championships and four ADCC World Submission titles—before battling addiction and personal turmoil.
This narrative draws from the impactful 2002 HBO documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr, which provided a raw, intimate glimpse into his personal and professional struggles.
Cast
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Mark Kerr, undergoing a dramatic physical transformation—complete with prosthetic makeup and altered physique.
- Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife, delivering emotional depth and complexity.
- Ryan Bader, former Bellator heavyweight champion, appears as Mark Coleman, Kerr’s friend and mentor.
- Bas Rutten plays himself, featured in training scenes as per the original documentary.
- Oleksandr Usyk portrays Igor Vovchanchyn, one of Kerr’s toughest PRIDE opponents.
- Additional authentic fighters such as Satoshi Ishii, James Moontasri, Andre Tricoteux, and others appear in pivotal historical bouts.
Dwayne Johnson to Star in ‘The Smashing Machine’: A True MMA Drama
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is set to return to his dramatic roots in The Smashing Machine, a biographical sports drama that delves into the life of Mark Kerr—one of the most dominant and tragic figures in the early days of mixed martial arts. Directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems), the film is currently in production under A24, with a release date expected in late 2025.
The Smashing Machine tells the real-life story of Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion who was nearly unstoppable in the ring but battled severe addiction and personal demons outside it. The Rock, known for his charisma and action roles, is stepping into a more vulnerable and gritty portrayal of a man torn between fame and internal chaos.
This role marks a significant shift for Johnson, who has long expressed a desire to take on more emotionally complex characters. In an Instagram post, he said, “This one’s different. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a role I’ve been waiting for.”
Filming began in mid-2024 in New York City, with sets replicating 1990s MMA training gyms, underground fight scenes, and raw family drama settings. Emily Blunt is reportedly attached to play Kerr’s wife, while other cast members include rising talents and real-life MMA fighters.
Produced by A24, Seven Bucks Productions (co-founded by Johnson), and Safdie’s Elara Pictures, the movie aims for a 2025 film festival debut before a wider release.
With The Smashing Machine, Johnson isn’t just stepping into a fighter’s shoes—he’s stepping into one of the most emotionally charged roles of his career.
Production & Crew
- Director/Writer/Editor: Benny Safdie.
- Producers: Benny Safdie, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Eli Bush, David Koplan.
- Cinematography: Maceo Bishop, shot on 16-mm film for a gritty, authentic look.
- Production Design: James Chinlund, known for The Batman and The Lion King reboot.
- Music: Composed by Nala Sinephro, adding a moody, jazz-infused tone.
- Studios: A24, Out for the Count, Seven Bucks Productions, Magnetic Fields Entertainment.
Release & Festivals
- World Premiere: Venice International Film Festival — September 1, 2025.
- Theatrical Release (USA): October 3, 2025.
Significance & Buzz
This adaptation stands as a defining moment in Dwayne Johnson’s career, showcasing a raw and vulnerable side like never before. Crafted under the A24 prestige banner, the film aims to echo the success of The Iron Claw—combining intense personal drama with award season potential.
The story also gains added resonance as Mark Kerr receives induction into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Pioneer Era wing in 2025—an honor delivered by Johnson himself.
Final Thoughts
The Smashing Machine promises an unapologetically gritty, emotionally charged portrayal of a flawed champion at war with his inner demons. With an ensemble cast anchored by a reinvented Dwayne Johnson and the creative vision of Benny Safdie, this film is positioned to captivate both MMA fans and cinephiles alike.
