Many people will say a particular public figure’s life story is eventful enough to be adapted into a documentary, original series, or film, but rarely is it true. However, in the case of Mark Kerr, it is absolutely true, and this fall, it will become a reality. Ahead of its October 3rd release, A24 shared the first trailer for The Smashing Machine, a film exploring the life, legacy, and legend of mixed martial artist Mark Kerr.
Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the film dives into the early days of mixed martial arts competition through Kerr’s success in Pride FC and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The NCAA Division I Champion wrestler quickly rose through the ranks and became a two-time heavyweight champion, but addiction to painkillers coupled with the tumultuous relationships he had with coaches and his then-girlfriend, Dawn Staples, took his career and life in a different direction.
The Smashing Machine is directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems) and stars Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, and Lyndsey Gavin. Safdie and Johnson are scheduled to bring the biopic to the big screen on October 3, 2025. Until then, check out the trailer below.
