
“The Smashing Machine” is an upcoming biographical sports activities drama directed by Benny Safdie, set to launch on October 3, 2025. The movie stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Mark Kerr, a former MMA and UFC champion, and options Ryan Bader portraying fellow MMA legend Mark Coleman.
The narrative delves into Kerr’s ascent on the earth of combined martial arts, highlighting his victories within the UFC and PRIDE Preventing Championships. Past the octagon, the movie explores Kerr’s private battles with substance abuse and the complexities of his relationship together with his then-wife, Daybreak Staples, performed by Emily Blunt. The storyline is impressed by the 2002 HBO documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Instances of Excessive Fighter Mark Kerr,” providing a uncooked look into the bodily and emotional toll {of professional} preventing.
Forged and Performances:
Dwayne Johnson undergoes a major transformation to embody Mark Kerr, using prosthetics and adopting a brand new bodily demeanor to seize the fighter’s persona.
Emily Blunt portrays Daybreak Staples, bringing depth to the function of Kerr’s supportive but challenged associate.
Ryan Bader, a real-life MMA fighter, takes on the function of Mark Coleman, including authenticity to the portrayal of the game’s early days.
The forged additionally consists of Bas Rutten and Oleksandr Usyk, each taking part in roles that enrich the movie’s depiction of the MMA world.
Filming occurred from Could to August 2024 throughout numerous areas, together with New Mexico, Tokyo, and Vancouver. Director of images Maceo Bishop shot the movie on 16mm movie, aiming for a gritty and immersive visible model. Nala Sinephro composed the musical rating, contributing to the movie’s emotional resonance.
The discharge of the movie’s trailer has generated vital buzz, with audiences and critics noting Johnson’s unrecognizable look and the movie’s intense environment. The challenge marks a departure from Johnson’s typical roles, showcasing his vary as an actor and his dedication to extra dramatic storytelling.
“The Smashing Machine” guarantees to supply a compelling look into the lifetime of Mark Kerr, mixing the high-stakes world of MMA with a poignant exploration of non-public battle and resilience.


Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Government Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and in addition a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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