Dwayne Johnson Cast as MMA Fighter Mark Kerr in Upcoming Movie The Smashing Machine

Dwayne Johnson takes on a dramatic new role as mixed martial artist Mark Kerr.

A24 announced Wednesday that the 51-year-old wrestler-turned-actor will play the MMA and UFC champion in an upcoming film Breaking machine from director Benny Safdie.

“Dwayne and Benny are unique talents, and their shared vision of Mark’s inspiring story is electrifying. We are deeply honored to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life,” A24’s Noah Sacco said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter and Diversity.

Safdie, 37, previously worked with his brother Josh Safdie as co-director of the film Uncut gemswhich starred Adam Sandler, and Good weather starring Robert Pattinson. Breaking machine will be Safdie’s first independent project as a screenwriter and director. Johnson, Safdie, Dany Garcia, Eli Bush and David Koplan are producing the film.

Benny Safdie.

Matt Winkelmeyer/IndieWire via Getty

The film is set to explore the life of Kerr, at the height of his career in 2000, as he navigates career triumphs, love, friendship and addiction.

Kerr, 54, earned the nickname “The Smashing Machine” for his unbridled fighting style. He won more than two dozen MMA titles and was a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, as well as the winner of the Vale Tudu World Championship tournament.

In 2002, Kerr was the subject of an HBO documentary titled Breaking machine. It followed the MMA fighter’s career, detailing his rise in the MMA sphere and exploring Kerr’s battle with addiction, which led to an overdose.

Mark Kerr.

Mark Kerr/Instagram

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While Johnson retired from WWE in 2004, he recently returned to face former foe John Cena.

In September, the two wrestling champions surprised fans by facing each other during WWE SmackDown! at the Ball Arena in Denver. During Johnson’s comeback, Cena was filmed standing quietly behind Johnson, looking straight ahead with his hands behind his back.

Straight faced and without any emotion, the two men squared off, but couldn’t maintain their stoic stance before they both smiled.

“I see you’re trying to smile!” Johnson said, pointing to Cena, who nodded in agreement. The Peacemaker The star then offered Johnson a hand to shake and told him, “Welcome home.”

Dwayne Johnson on March 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Johnson’s other upcoming projects include Red notice 2, Fast X: Part Two, Jungle Cruise 2, Order One and a feature remake Moana.

Director Safdie’s latest work includes his role as producer Telemarketers and Love won. He also acted in Are you there God? It’s me, Margaret and Oppenheimer.

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Source: HIS Education