The first trailer for Benny Safdie`s new film, The Smashing Machine, reveals Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson`s complete transformation into UFC legend Mark Kerr.
This highly anticipated movie, set to hit theaters on October 3rd, chronicles Kerr`s career, which included two UFC tournament championships, but was later marred by addiction to painkillers and narcotics resulting from numerous injuries sustained in fighting and wrestling.
The film is primarily based on a 2002 documentary also titled The Smashing Machine, which tracked Kerr`s journey from his highly successful period in the UFC to attempting a fresh start with PRIDE FC in Japan. However, initial success in Japan was eventually overshadowed by his recurring addictions.
Oscar-nominated actress Emily Blunt costars as Dawn Staples, Kerr`s ex-wife, who featured prominently throughout the original documentary about the fighter`s life.
Former Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader takes on a significant role as UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman. Coleman, initially Kerr`s rival, later became his mentor as Kerr sought to revive his career. The original documentary highlighted Kerr`s struggles to replicate his earlier success in PRIDE, contrasting with Coleman`s own career resurgence, culminating in his win of the first PRIDE Heavyweight Grand Prix.
Boxing heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk portrays Igor Vovchanchyn, a legendary Russian fighter whom Kerr faced in PRIDE. Bas Rutten also appears in the film, playing himself, reprising his prominent role from the original documentary.
Other fighters making appearances include James Moontasri, Satoshi Ishii, and Roberto ‘Cyborg’ Abreu.
Benny Safdie, known for his work with brother Josh Safdie on films like Uncut Gems, makes his solo directorial debut with The Smashing Machine.
The new trailer is available now, and The Smashing Machine is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on October 3rd.
Wesley Dunham