The first trailer for The Smashing Machine, the highly anticipated biopic starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, has been unveiled — and fans are stunned by the actor’s dramatic on-screen transformation. Johnson appears almost unrecognizable as he steps into the role of legendary two-time UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr. The gritty, emotional trailer offers a glimpse into the brutal highs and devastating lows of Kerr’s MMA career, as well as his personal struggles outside the ring.
Directed by Benny Safdie — making his solo feature directorial debut following his acclaimed work with brother Josh Safdie on Uncut Gems and Good Time — The Smashing Machine marks a significant shift into character-driven drama for both Safdie and Johnson. Emily Blunt stars alongside Johnson as Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples, in what will be the duo’s second on-screen collaboration following Disney’s Jungle Cruise in 2021. The cast also features Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin, and Oleksandr Usyk.
The Smashing Machine is based on the real-life story of UFC fighter Kerr, who gained recognition for his brutal but distinctive fighting style which eventually won him the nickname of 'The Smashing Machine'. His fighting career spanned from 1997 to 2009, and he is considered one of the most dominant figures in early MMA. A four-time ADCC World Champion, Kerr’s life was previously brought to screens in the 2002 HBO documentary also titled The Smashing Machine, which delved into his battles with substance abuse and his turbulent personal life. The film is expected to offer an intense, unfiltered look at both the triumph and trauma behind Kerr’s legacy.
The trailer introduces Johnson as Mark Kerr with black hair, facial prosthetics, and tattoos. The clip starts with a shot of an injured Johnson seated at a doctor’s office with bruises and swellings around his eyes. He tells a woman and her son nearby, “Probably looking at my eyes.” The woman asks, “How did that happen?” We then get flashback scenes as Mark replies, “Well, have you ever heard of the Ultimate Fighting Championship? The UFC?”
Fans are in awe of the actor’s look from The Smashing Machine. An X user wrote, “Now this is the Actor ROCK we want. Oscars 2026.” Another fan commented, “Wait, that's The Rock? No way!” while a third said, “The prostheses in the nose and brow are so subtle and yet he really does look like another person - and the body transformation, too.”
The trailer also provides an overview of the film’s story as Mark explores his life as a UFC fighter and navigates his relationship with Dawn. Describing the feeling of winning in the ring, he says, “Winning is the best feeling there is. It's 40,000 people in there cheering you on.” He adds, “There's no other high like it in the world.” The film will chronicle Kerr’s career as a UFC champ along with his addiction to painkillers.
The trailer hints at how the film will also explore Mark Kerr’s struggles with addiction to painkillers. Dwayne’s fans are buzzing with anticipation for the release and took to the comment section to share their excitement. “Whoever did the prosthetics and makeup for this movie is getting an Oscar,” one fan said, while another mentioned, “I couldn't tell if that was the Rock or another person acting like the Rock lmao.”
Real-life ring announcer Ryan Ventura expressed his excitement, stating, “One of the greatest honours of my career was being a part of this project. October 3rd couldn't come fast enough!”
Mark Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and a four-time ADCC World Champion, and was one of the most well-known MMA fighters in the late 1990s. The film will look at both his domination in the cage and his psychological troubles, which were first covered in the 2002 HBO documentary. The film is expected to release in theaters on October 3, 2025.
As anticipation builds, the transformation of Dwayne Johnson into Mark Kerr has left fans astounded. The actor, known for his charming persona, is stepping into a role that showcases a more intense side. The trailer, released on April 30, 2025, has already created significant buzz on social media, with many fans expressing their disbelief at his transformation.
Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr is set to challenge the actor in ways he has not experienced before. The film promises to delve deep into the complexities of Kerr’s life, highlighting not only his achievements in the octagon but also his struggles with addiction and personal demons.
With the film's release date approaching, fans are eagerly awaiting more promotional material, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew. The buzz surrounding The Smashing Machine suggests that it could become a significant film in Johnson’s career, potentially earning him critical acclaim and awards recognition.
As the public gears up for the release, the excitement for The Smashing Machine continues to grow. With its compelling story and a star-studded cast, it is poised to be one of the must-see films of the fall season.
In a landscape filled with superhero blockbusters and franchise films, The Smashing Machine stands out as a unique offering that combines sports drama with a personal narrative. The film not only highlights the physicality of mixed martial arts but also the emotional toll it can take on its athletes. Johnson’s commitment to the role, as evidenced by his transformation, underscores the importance of authenticity in storytelling.
As the countdown to October 3, 2025, begins, audiences are left wondering how Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr will resonate with viewers. Will it capture the essence of the fighter’s legacy? Only time will tell, but for now, the trailer has set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.
