The Smashing Machine A24 Trailer: Dwayne Johnson Transforms Into UFC Legend Mark Kerr
Dwayne Johnson stars as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in A24's gritty biopic The Smashing Machine, with a raw and powerful trailer now released by the studio.
Key Highlights:
The Smashing Machine A24 Trailer: Dwayne Johnson Transforms Into UFC Legend Mark Kerr
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson unveils a stunning dramatic transformation in the first trailer for The Smashing Machine, an upcoming A24 biopic directed by Benny Safdie.
The film chronicles the turbulent life of Mark Kerr, the two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion known for his dominance inside the cage — and his struggles outside it.
The trailer, released on April 29, 2025, showcases Johnson in a raw, unfiltered portrayal of Kerr’s complicated journey through fame, addiction, and redemption.
A Gritty Departure for Dwayne Johnson
Best known for his action-packed blockbusters, Johnson ventures into deeply emotional territory with The Smashing Machine.
The trailer hints at an intense performance, capturing both the physical brutality of MMA fighting and the psychological battles Kerr faced during the peak of his career.
The film is directed by Benny Safdie, acclaimed for Uncut Gems and his knack for telling high-stress human stories.
Safdie’s signature unflinching style is evident, with grainy, documentary-like footage giving the biopic a visceral authenticity.
Emily Blunt Joins the Cast
Alongside Johnson, Emily Blunt stars as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s partner who witnessed his highs and lows firsthand.
Their onscreen chemistry adds a poignant emotional layer to the narrative, promising a portrayal that goes beyond the octagon into Kerr’s personal relationships and vulnerabilities.
Storyline: Inside and Outside the Cage
The Smashing Machine follows Mark Kerr’s rapid rise in the nascent days of UFC, where he was feared for his unmatched power.
However, behind the victories, Kerr battled addiction, painkiller dependency, and mental health struggles — themes that the film handles with unfiltered realism.
The project is inspired by the 2002 HBO documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.
Release Date and Anticipation
While an exact release date is yet to be announced, The Smashing Machine is expected to hit select theaters and streaming platforms in late 2025.
Critics and fans alike have praised the trailer for its grounded tone and Dwayne Johnson’s career-defining shift toward intense drama.
The Smashing Machine is poised to become one of A24’s biggest prestige releases of the year, with early Oscar buzz already surrounding Johnson’s performance.
What Lies Ahead
With a powerhouse team behind it and Dwayne Johnson in one of his most vulnerable roles yet, The Smashing Machine is set to redefine public perceptions of “The Rock” — showcasing the heart and hurt behind the muscles.
The film also adds to A24’s growing reputation for producing emotionally raw and visually arresting cinema.
Audiences can expect a gripping, deeply human story about resilience, fame, and personal redemption — far beyond a typical sports movie.
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