The Smashing Machine: MMA fighter Mark Kerr swore at Dwayne Johnson

The Smashing Machine focuses on the life of Mark Kerr, who is a former mixed martial artist.

The biographical sports drama film is written and directed by Benny Safdie. A24 released it theatrically on October 3, 2025. Even before its release, the film already won the Silver Lion award at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Here's the official synopsis as per Letterboxd:

"The story of legendary mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr."

In a recent interview, Kerr revealed that he cussed at Dwayne Johnson after seeing him in prosthetics. For those unaware, Johnson, who himself was a wrestler, has portrayed Kerr in the film.

Keep reading to know more.

The Smashing Machine: Mark Kerr cussed at Dwayne Johnson

The Smashing Machine features Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, playing the role of ex-MMA artist Mark Kerr. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kerr revealed that he swore at Johnson after seeing him in prosthetics. He said,

"Nobody told me. I had this idea and image that, ‘He’s just going to be DJ. He’s going to put a wig on,’ or something like that. The first time I saw him at prosthetics, I cussed at him for a minute. I’m looking at him, [and] he’s a doppelganger. He’s a mirror image of me. I’m looking at myself in front of me.”

He further praised Johnson, saying,

“Every single text or voice message that he’s ever left me, he’s left it with, ‘If you need anything, please call me.’ He’s a good person to have at your back.”

To look the part, Johnson gained weight and had to use 22 prosthetics on his face. Prosthetic makeup artist Kazu Hiro had revealed that it took him two hours to make Johnson look the part.

The Smashing Machine is based on the 2002 John Hyams-directed documentary film The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr. The film is produced by Johnson, Benny Safdie, Eli Bush, Dany Garcia, David Koplan, and Hiram Garcia. Besides Johnson, its cast members include,