Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson transforms into Mark Kerr in 'The Smashing Machine' trailer
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson steps back into the ring in the official trailer for "The Smashing Machine."
A24 released the trailer for the upcoming biopic -- written, directed, co-produced and co-edited by Benny Safdie -- on Tuesday. Johnson stars as two-time UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr in the film, which tells the story of the legendary mixed martial artist and fighter.
The biopic marks Safdie's solo directorial feature debut from a script he wrote. He previously co-directed and wrote the films "Uncut Gems" and "Good Time."
Johnson is nearly unrecognizable in the trailer, which shows him wearing a wig and prosthetic makeup to fully transform into Kerr.
"Winning is the best feeling there is. It's 40,000 people in there cheering you on," he says at one point in the trailer. "There's no other high like it in the world."
Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr's wife, Dawn Staples. "The Smashing Machine" marks the duo's second collaboration after the 2021 film "Jungle Cruise." Johnson and Blunt are also set to star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in an upcoming crime thriller, set in Hawaii, to be directed by Martin Scorsese.
Watch the full trailer for "The Smashing Machine" here.
The real-life Kerr competed in matchups from 1997 to 2009, winning four ADCC World Championships over the course of his career. His life was the subject of a 2002 HBO documentary, which was also titled "The Smashing Machine," a reference to Kerr's nickname.
On Monday, Kerr posted about the upcoming biopic on Instagram, writing in the caption, "I am still in disbelief that this is real. I am so proud of the work DJ put into becoming The Smashing Machine. I have so much gratitude, humility and respect for ever litlle [sic] detail production uncovered. Can't wait to share this experience with the world."
Mixed martial artist Ryan Bader, actor and former mixed martial artist Bas Rutten, and Ukrainian professional boxer Oleksandr Usyk also star in the upcoming film.
Johnson, a former University of Miami football player, initially found fame performing with the World Wrestling Federation, which later became World Wrestling Entertainment. He went on to find success in Hollywood, taking on a number of starring roles in hit films including the "Fast & Furious" franchise and the DC Extended Universe film "Black Adam," as well as voiceover roles in the 2016 Disney animated film "Moana" and its sequel.
In January 2024, Johnson became a board member of TKO Holdings, the company that was created after UFC and WWE merged in April 2023.
"The Smashing Machine" lands in theaters Oct. 3.
