“Don’t get into fighting.” It’s a rare moment of quiet wisdom from a man whose life was defined by brutal combat. In the newly released trailer for A24’s The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson — reinventing himself once again — steps into the blood-soaked shoes of MMA pioneer Mark Kerr. And with award-caliber direction from Benny Safdie, this isn’t just another sports biopic. It’s an emotional knockout that digs deep into the soul of a warrior who helped forge the UFC into what it is today.
Dwayne Johnson channels Mark Kerr in a career-defining combat role
Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr is more than physical — though the physique and presence are unquestionably there. It’s a return to combat roots for Johnson, whose WWE background echoes Kerr’s own journey from wrestler to fighter. But where Johnson’s onscreen persona has often leaned heroically larger-than-life, The Smashing Machine demands something rawer, more vulnerable. And Johnson delivers. Watching him portray Kerr’s explosive energy, internal conflict, and sheer grit is like witnessing a gladiator stripped of armor — exposed, but unbroken.
Emily Blunt, reprising her chemistry with Johnson from Jungle Cruise, plays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. Her performance grounds the film in reality, offering a poignant counterbalance to the chaos of Kerr’s fighting world. Dawn’s struggle to stand by Mark — and find her own footing — adds layers to a story that’s as much about love and endurance outside the cage as it is inside.
Benny Safdie’s direction turns the biopic into an emotional battleground
That Safdie is at the helm is nothing short of inspired. Known for the frenetic intensity of Uncut Gems and Good Time, Safdie channels that energy into a different kind of fight — one that’s psychological and emotional. He doesn’t just recreate Kerr’s brawls in the ring; he plunges us into the wrestler’s mind as he grapples with pain, addiction, and the cost of living a life defined by violence.
Whether it’s a sweaty, bloodied cage match or a quiet, tense moment in a waiting room, Safdie’s direction never lets the audience catch their breath. The fight scenes are visceral, but the real punches land in the personal moments — the fights with Dawn, the isolation behind the glory, and the heartbreaking toll of a body and spirit pushed beyond limits.
Mark Kerr’s legendary career fuels the film’s unstoppable momentum
Kerr’s résumé reads like a combat comic book: two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, Pride FC Heavyweight Champion, World Vale Tudo Champion, four-time ADCC World Submission Champion, and 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion. He wasn’t just a fighter; he was a force of nature during the no-holds-barred era of MMA. The Smashing Machine tracks this peak period of Kerr’s career — but doesn’t shy away from the descent that followed.
Fans of MMA history will recognize the iconic bouts, including Kerr’s emotional and brutal clashes with Mark Coleman, portrayed by Ryan Bader. The film even includes appearances by Bas Rutten and Oleksandr Usyk, grounding the story in the authentic world of early UFC and Pride fighting. These aren’t just fight sequences; they’re milestones in a warrior’s journey, brought to life with intensity and respect.
The emotional core of the film lies in the human cost behind the glory
What separates The Smashing Machine from typical sports dramas is its unflinching look at the man behind the myth. Kerr’s battle with substance abuse, the strain on his relationships, and the relentless punishment his body endured are all laid bare. This is the same Kerr who said he was “in disbelief” watching Johnson’s transformation, praising the attention to detail and authenticity in the film. His emotional endorsement adds weight to a project that clearly means more to him than legacy — it’s redemption.
The trailer teases moments of hope and heartbreak: a loving glance from Dawn in the crowd, a painful argument backstage, and a worn-out fighter still willing to step into the cage one last time. It’s a story of resilience, of identity, and of what it means to be human when your whole life is about smashing — and being smashed.
‘The Smashing Machine’ isn’t just for MMA fans — it’s for anyone who’s ever fought to stay alive
Releasing on October 3, 2025, The Smashing Machine doesn’t just ask us to watch Mark Kerr fight. It asks us to understand him. To feel the weight of every punch, both given and received. This is a film about the glory of combat, yes — but more importantly, it’s about the courage it takes to fight when the world isn’t watching.
Johnson, Safdie, and Blunt have created something powerful, layered, and unforgettable. Mark Kerr’s story may have been told in the 2002 HBO documentary, but now, it’s been reborn in a form that’s ready to smash into a whole new generation.