Trailer: In theaters next month, The Smashing Machine gets a deeper look

The Smashing Machine brings the story of MMA fighter and UFC star Mark Kerr to life, with Dwayne Johnson in the title role.

Mark Kerr’s story hits the theaters

Looking very different indeed in The Smashing Machine, is Dwayne Johnson, formerly known as professional wrestler The Rock. The grappler turned actor has been an action star for years, but A24 and director Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine his usual kind of movie. More of a drama, albeit with some in-ring action mixed in, this new film tells the story of 90s/2000’s UFC star Mark Kerr.

And from the looks of it, it presents Johnson in a whole new light, as Kerr.

Starring Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk, The Smashing Machine hits theaters on October 3rd, 2025.