Dwayne Johnson sent fans into a frenzy late last night after unveiling the striking first-look poster for his upcoming film The Smashing Machine. The biopic, directed by Benny Safdie and produced by A24, stars Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr and is set to hit theaters on October 3, 2025. Alongside the poster reveal, Johnson confirmed that the official trailer for the film will drop today, heightening anticipation for the gritty sports drama.
The poster, shared on April 28 via Johnson’s social media, reveals a dramatic transformation for the actor. Sporting short black hair, covered tattoos, and realistic facial makeup, Johnson looks nearly unrecognizable as he steps into the role of the troubled yet talented Kerr. The image captures the raw physicality and emotional intensity that the film is expected to explore, particularly Kerr’s battles with addiction and fame—topics originally examined in the 2002 HBO documentary also titled The Smashing Machine.
The Smashing Machine delves into the rise and struggles of Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and four-time ADCC World Champion, whose dominance in the ring was matched by his inner turmoil. Johnson is joined by Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s then-wife Dawn Staples, and real-life MMA icons Oleksandr Usyk and Bas Rutten, adding authenticity to the story’s fight world backdrop.
With A24 behind the production and Benny Safdie at the helm, the film promises a raw, character-driven experience that goes beyond the octagon. As the trailer drops today, all eyes will be on how Johnson portrays one of MMA’s most complex figures in what could be a career-defining performance.
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