VENICE, Italy – In a bold departure from his blockbuster persona, Dwayne Johnson takes on the role of mixed martial arts pioneer Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine,” the first solo directorial effort from acclaimed filmmaker Benny Safdie. The biographical drama, which chronicles Kerr’s ascent in the UFC during the late 1990s and his personal battles with addiction, is vying for the prestigious Golden Lion at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
Drawing inspiration from a 2002 HBO documentary of the same name, the film delves into the gritty underbelly of MMA’s formative years, a time when the sport transitioned from underground spectacle to mainstream phenomenon amid growing concerns over fighter safety and substance abuse. Kerr, dubbed “The Smashing Machine” for his ferocious style, claimed victory in two UFC heavyweight tournaments and later competed in Pride FC, retiring in 2010 with a professional record of 15-11.
Johnson, known for high-octane action franchises like “Jumanji” and “Fast & Furious,” underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the part, shedding muscle mass to capture the toll of Kerr’s career on his body and psyche. Early reviews praise this as a pivotal shift for the actor, showcasing his dramatic range beyond crowd-pleasing spectacles. Emily Blunt co-stars as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife at the time, bringing depth to the narrative’s exploration of the personal sacrifices demanded by the brutal world of combat sports.
Produced by A24, the project reunites Safdie with the studio following his success with “Uncut Gems,” continuing their tradition of intense, character-focused storytelling. Kerr’s real-life journey adds layers of authenticity: A standout wrestler at Syracuse University, his Olympic dreams were shattered by injuries, steering him toward MMA’s unforgiving arena.
As the film competes at Venice, industry insiders are buzzing about its potential awards-season traction, highlighting themes of ambition, addiction, and the human cost of glory in professional fighting. No wide release date has been announced, but “The Smashing Machine” is poised to reignite discussions on MMA’s evolution and the shadows behind its stars.