US EditionDwayne Johnson Dove Deep for ‘The Smashing Machine,' with a Little Push From Friends
Dwayne Johnson portrays MMA pioneer Mark Kerr, highlighting Kerr's early UFC role and battle with addiction in a film opening Oct. 3 directed by Benny Safdie.
- Adapted from the 2002 documentary The Smashing Machine, the film opens in theaters soon, with Dwayne Johnson playing MMA fighter Mark Kerr.
- Dwayne Johnson had long been drawn to this material, thinking about the role for over a decade and channeling trauma from his childhood and relationship with Rocky Johnson.
- Transforming physically, Dwayne Johnson reshaped his body, voice, hair, and used facial prosthetics, while Hyams guarded the two-year edit despite Kerr's managers pleading to see early cuts.
- Dwayne Johnson's performance has generated awards conversation, putting him in Oscar conversation while spotlighting Mark Kerr's pioneering UFC role and struggles with addiction.
- As a departure from his usual roles, Dwayne Johnson embraces vulnerability in a courageous, deeply challenging drama, while Benny Safdie and Emily Blunt hope audiences connect with the story.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Idaho Press
Dwayne Johnson faces his fears in 'The Smashing Machine'
Fear is not something typically associated with Dwayne Johnson. Certainly not in the ring, as the charismatic heel with the cocked eyebrow, and not in Hollywood, where he has cemented himself as one of the industry’s most bankable, and singular,…
Boston Herald
My Mother LodeDwayne Johnson dove deep for ‘The Smashing Machine,’ with a little push from friends
By LINDSEY BAHR Fear is not something one typically associates with Dwayne Johnson. Certainly not in the ring, as the charismatic heel with the cocked eyebrow, and not in Hollywood, where he has cemented himself as one of the industry’s most bankable, and singular, action stars and producers. Related Articles Robert Redford influenced Scarlett Johansson’s directing debut, ‘Eleanor the Great’ Survival mode in ‘One B…
Associated Press News
Dwayne Johnson dove deep for ‘The Smashing Machine,' with a little push from friends
Dwayne Johnson faces his fears in “The Smashing Machine,” a drama about MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Known for his confident persona in the ring and in the spotlight, Johnson says he was scared to tackle this vulnerable role.
‘The Smashing Machine’ Is a Triumph For Dwayne Johnson—and for the Seminal MMA Documentary That Inspired Benny Safdie's Film
The Rock's acclaimed new movie is just one of many MMA-themed films that have taken cues from John Hyams' 2002 doc about the life of fighter Mark Kerr.
Dwayne Johnson Dove Deep for ‘The Smashing Machine,' With a Little Push From Friends
Fear is not something one typically associates with Dwayne Johnson. Certainly not in the ring, as the charismatic heel with the cocked eyebrow, and not in Hollywood, where he has cemented himself as one of the industry’s most bankable, and singular, action stars and producers.
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