A biographical sports drama chronicling the life of former UFC fighter Mark Kerr, titled "The Smashing Machine," is slated for a U.S. release on October 3, 2025. The film stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Kerr and Emily Blunt as his girlfriend, Dawn Staples. Benny Safdie directs the project.
Johnson portrays Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion from the late 1990s and early 2000s, while Blunt plays Staples, his girlfriend during his fighting career. The ensemble cast also features Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk. The film aims to provide an in-depth exploration of Kerr's rise in mixed martial arts and his personal struggles.
Mark Kerr's career was marked by significant achievements, including winning the UFC Heavyweight Tournament twice and a World Vale Tudo Championship tournament. He also competed in PRIDE FC. His wrestling accolades include an NCAA Division I championship, World Cup medals, and ADCC World Championship titles. However, Kerr's journey was also defined by his battles with painkiller addiction, stemming from the physical toll of the sport and injuries, as well as emotional challenges and relationships, exacerbated by the pressures of being a pioneer in a then-unregulated sport.
The film is set to have its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, where it will compete for the Golden Lion award. This premiere positions "The Smashing Machine" as a potential awards season contender, with early indications suggesting strong performances from both Johnson and Blunt. The film's narrative promises to highlight the triumphs and tribulations of Kerr's career, underscoring the human cost of combat sports during an era with limited fighter welfare.
Johnson has spoken about the intensity of the role, noting that it required him to explore personal aspects he hadn't previously addressed on camera, describing the experience as both "scary" and "nourishing." Blunt has also commented on Johnson's transformative performance, noting his deep immersion into the character.