Former wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson has been cast as real-life mixed martial artist fighter Mark Kerr in the upcoming biopic The Smashing Machine. Led by Uncut Gems co-director Benny Safdie, many have called Johnson’s new role one of the most dramatic performances he will do in his career.
Johnson and Safdie began this project’s development in 2019 to tell Kerr’s story. According to financier A24’s Noah Sacco, the studio is excited to share this project with the world and “honored to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life.” In addition to A24, Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions and Safdie’s Out for the Counte banners will also help produce the film.
The film will follow Mark Kerr as he works hard to rise in the wrestling world as he struggles with his addiction to painkillers, which eventually causes him to OD. The film’s title came from Kerr’s nickname, “the Smashing Machine,” given to the fighter due to his ruthless fighting style. Aside from a 2002 HBO documentary of the same name, Johnson and Sadie’s planned film is the first to dive deep into the fighter’s triumphs and tragedies.
A24 has not yet announced any official release dates for this project.
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