Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has posted footage from Day One of MMA training as he prepares for his upcoming UFC heavyweight biopic movie.
The iconic wrestler-turned-actor is stepping into a new type of area for his next major film role as he embodies the legendary UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr in ‘The Smashing Machine’.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson trains for UFC heavyweight movie
Fan-favorite sports personality and actor Dwayne Johnson has posted footage from Day One of training for the upcoming biopic movie ‘The Smashing Machine’, which is scheduled to premiere around the world in 2025.
‘The Rock’ posted a 58-second montage of his preparation to play former UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr to his social media, see below, noting that “I’m learning daily and it’s been a very humbling, intense and motivating journey into this world of combat.”
“I’m a hard worker, but I realized that I’d have to work harder with this role than anything I’ve ever worked for in my life,” he stated, adding how “This physicality is just one part of the larger journey, that is truly a team effort… Growing and grateful.”
What do we know so far about ‘The Smashing Machine’ movie?
The upcoming movie will explore the life and career of two-time former UFC heavyweight champion, Pride superstar, NCAA Division I champion, and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, Mark ‘The Smashing Machine’ Kerr.
According to Variety, fan-favorite actress Emily Blunt is in talks to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife, but this has yet to be officially confirmed by the studio.
Speaking to the outlet, Dwayne Johnson revealed what first attracted him to the role, explaining how director Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, Oppenheimer) wants “to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting.”
“I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain.”
The film’s official tagline reads:
“The Smashing Machine’ is a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.”
Movies about Mixed Martial Arts and the UFC
MMA movies have already been in the news in 2024 thanks to the release of Conor McGregor’s main role in the Road House remake – which premiered via Amazon Prime Video back in March to a surprisingly positive reception from both combat sports and film fans alike.
Also released in 2024 to critical acclaim was the documentary surrounding undefeated UFC strawweight Tatiana Suarez called ‘The Unbreakable Tatiana Suarez’, which is available to stream right now on HBO.
If you are in the mood for an MMA-related movie, there are plenty of films and TV shows out there that are well worth your time, including:
- Warrior (2011) – Tom Hardy, features Nate Marquardt and Anthony Johnson
- Bruised (2021) – Halle Berry, features Yves Edwards and Keith Peterson
- Redbelt (2008) – Chiwetel Ejiofor, features Randy Couture and Frank Trigg
- Never Back Down 3 (2016) – Michael Jai White, features ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Josh Barnett
- Here Comes the Boom (2012) – Kevin James, features Joe Rogan, Chael Sonnen and Bruce Buffer
The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, is scheduled to premiere in 2025 – a more specific release window has not yet been revealed.