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Summary
- Dwayne Johnson’s intense MMA training for
The Smashing Machine
has been “humbling” and “motivating.” - The Rock steps outside his comfort zone to portray MMA fighter Mark Kerr.
- Johnson’s desire to make meaningful films led him to star in
The Smashing Machine
for director Benny Safdie.
Hollywood and WWE superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has revealed footage of the intense training regime he is undertaking for his lead role in A24’s The Smashing Machine. Now well-known for his affinity in both the gym and the ring, his role in the biographical drama will see the action star outside his comfort zone both in acting terms and, more surprisingly, in the ring, as Johnson becomes mixed martial artist and two-time UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr.
“Day 1. MMA training camp. Preparing for “Smashing Machine” I’m learning daily and it’s been a very humbling, intense and motivating journey into this world of combat and becoming, Mark Kerr – the two-time @UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Champion. 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. This physicality is just one part of the larger journey, that is truly a team effort. Growing and grateful.”
Despite his decade-spanning experience in weightlifting, bodybuilding, and WWE, this new training regime is a very different beast. Taking to social media to share some footage, The Rock admits that the experience so far has been “humbling, intense and motivating.”
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Johnson sports a vest and speedos as he throws punches and learns to grapple, all in an effort to best portray MMA fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, which finds Uncut Gems’ Benny Safdie at the helm.
“Training camp for “Smashing Machine” For the role and life of Mark Kerr Two time @UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion World Vale Tudo Champion Learning, working daily – grateful to grow.”
Dwayne Johnson Wants to Make Movies That Matter
The Smashing Machine will explore the life of Mark Kerr, who suffered with opioid addiction during the early no holds barred stages of MMA fighting. Johnson will star in the lead, with his Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt also rumored to feature.
Johnson has previously discussed joining the A24 project, which will see the actor step away from the big tentpole blockbusters that have largely made up his movie career. For Johnson, he was drawn to The Smashing Machine from a desire to create something “raw and real.”
“Benny 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.
I want to be clear not to say that this is an abandonment of big, four-quadrant movies. I love making them, and there is tremendous value and importance in [them] … but there’s a time and a place for them. I’m at this point in my career where I want more. And I don’t mean I want more box office. I mean I want more humanity. And that is why Benny Safdie is the perfect, collaborative, hungry partner for me.”
The Smashing Machine
is due to be released in 2025.
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