The Smashing Machine: Who is Mark Kerr, the inspiration behind the new Dwayne Johnson film

For decades, Dwayne Johnson has made a career out of portraying buff, larger-than-life characters, showcasing his strength, charisma, and ability to bring action to his roles. Now, however, Johnson is taking a big leap in portraying a character who is not only real life but made a name for himself in the sport of mixed martial arts - and that is Mark Kerr aka The Smashing Machine.

In this film, Johnson marks a departure from action roles, portraying a complex character who is emotional and layered. Mark Kerr's life is filled with both incredible athletic feats as well as personal demons, which allows Johnson to really delve into the psyche of a professional athlete. As an athlete himself, Johnson has put forth significant strength and hard work in this role with the goal of showcasing the life and legacy of Mark Kerr.

Who is Mark Kerr?

Mark Kerr, a former American mixed martial artist, is known as "The Smashing Machine" because he was considered one of the best fighters of the late 1990s and early 2000s. His achievements in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pride Fighting Championships began his successful career as he proceeded to dominate for several years.

Outside of his career as a champion, he certainly had his own challenges and experiences, especially in terms of mental health and addiction that led to his downfalls. Prior to Johnson's film, the story centered on Kerr had already been told in a documentary titled with the same name which was released in 2002.

Kerr took to Instagram to post about the film, praising Dwayne's work on the project as he wrote:

"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."

Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine

On April 29, 2025, A24 unveiled the trailer for the upcoming biopic, which Benny Safdie is writing, directing, co-producing, and co-editing. The movie, which will explore the story of the renowned mixed martial artist and fighter, stars Johnson in the lead as he is almost unrecognizable with prosthetics, makeup and a wig.

The film is Safdie's first directorial venture and the trailer looks promising already. Besides Johnson, the film stars Emily Blunt as Kerr's wife Dawn Staples.

Previously, the Black Adam actor has opened up on his role as he told Variety:

"I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain.”

Rightly so, Kerr's portrayal in the film does mirror Johnson's values as an actor and seeing the trailer and how hard the actor has worked on the film, it would most certainly be a wonderful watch.

The Smashing Machine will be in theaters on October 3, 2025.