Warning: Spoilers ahead for “The Smashing Machine”

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson takes on one of his most personal and fitting roles in “The Smashing Machine.”

The film, directed by Benny Safdie, follows pioneering mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr over a four-year period in his life as he ascended to fame while MMA was relatively on the up and up. The biopic also shines a light on Kerr amid his own struggles with addiction and a toxic relationship.

“The Smashing Machine” is based on a 2002 HBO documentary of the same name. The film, now in theaters, premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 1, 2025, with people applauding Johnson’s role and physical transformation to become Kerr. Emily Blunt stars as Kerr’s first wife, Dawn Staples.

Dwayne Johnson transforms in the Mark Ke

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