Johnson started his career as a professional wrestler, he was known as ‘The Rock’.
The Smashing Machine has the A24 backing, and that means that Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson is putting down his fast car and singing roles to play UFC fighter Mark Kerr in the new A24 film.
In a new biopic out in theatres on October 3, the 52 year old actor, who starred in Fast & Furious and Disney’s Moana, plays the legendary wrestler.
Johnson’s role as a wrestler comes as a surprise to critics and fans, but both parties are happy to see what kind of performance Johnson will give.
Johnson has also been included in Variety’s 2026 Oscar predictions and the movie is listed for “Best Picture,” “Best Actor,” “Best Actress” and “Makeup and Hairstyling.”
who is Mark Kerr
Who is Mark Kerr?
At 56 years young, Kerr was once the UFC Heavyweight Tournament winner twice and World Vale Tudo Championship winner.
He had the nickname of ‘the Smashing Machine,’ because he fought with head butts, knee strikes to opponents on the ground and finished most fights very quickly.
Kerr was in his 12-year fighting career plagued by drug problems and the marriage to Dawn Staples was not easy. In 2002 he appears in the HBO documentary
‘The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.’
Kerr stopped fighting in 2010. He posted on GoFundMe in June 2019 that he had lived with peripheral neuropathy since 2016.
This is a condition caused by nerves outside of the brain and spine being damaged, resulting in pain and numbness of different parts of the body.
There are no exact numbers as to how common peripheral neuropathy is to athletes, but it does affect people who do martial arts or wrestling.
The Smashing Machine’ Key Facts
Johnson’s role in the movie is different from his usual parts in the superhero, action, and musical flicks, where he usually plays characters somewhat similar to himself.
Last year, Johnson told Variety, “I’m at a point in my career where I want something deeper.” “I’m not talking about bigger box office numbers.”
I want stories which are more human. So that’s why I like working with Benny Safdie because he’s driven and he’s eager to work.”
Johnson was a professional wrestler like his father and grandfather before becoming a famous actor.
After that, he signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and wrestled there from 1996 to 2004. He won four WWE championships during that time but has since appeared in the ring occasionally.
Rocky Maivia, Johnson’s first name, was a combination of his father’s ‘Rocky Johnson’ and his grandfather’s ‘Prince Peter Maivia’. He changed his name later on to “the Rock.”
who is Mark Kerr
The movie was written and directed by filmmaker Safdie, which started production in 2019. Possibly most known for writing Uncut Gems (2019) with Adam Sandler and co-creating the Showtime show The Curse (2023) with Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone, Safdie is probably best known.
Johnson is also casting Emily Blunt as Staples, now Kerr’s ex wife, and beside Johnson playing Kerr, there is also Emily Blunt playing Staples.
On April 29 The Smashing Machine first trailer was released.
Both Johnson’s acting, as well as his appearance, impressed commenters.
“I barely recognized him, one person said. His change is incredible.
“I really like how gentle his voice is,” said another person. And the makeup artists were also amazing!