How far will a fighter go to prove they belong? Mark Kerr’s riveting true story comes to the big screen in “The Smashing Machine.” This A24 biopic follows the MMA and UFC fighter through important career highlights, while showing the toll it took on his personal life. ‘Machine’ is written and directed by Benny Safdie. The acclaimed filmmaker, who co-wrote and co-directed “Uncut Gems,” additionally takes on editing duties for the project.
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Some of Kerr’s stories have already been told in the well-received 2002 documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.” The upcoming ‘Machine’ pays tribute to the material by recreating a memorable exchange the fighter had in a doctor’s waiting room. Naturally, this unforgettable moment becomes a key point of the trailer.
One of the film’s most intriguing aspects is its casting. Dwayne Johnson stars as Kerr. It’s a transformative role for the actor, who undergoes a striking change in appearance. This performance promises to be a stark dramatic shift for Johnson and should prove to be a career-defining moment that propels him into awards territory. The actor finds himself working with a talented cast for ‘Machine.’ Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk also star in the film.
The film’s official synopsis:
“The story of legendary mixed martial arts & UFC fighter Mark Kerr.”
Johnson, Safdie, David Koplan, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, and Eli Bush serve as producers on “The Smashing Machine.” The film opens in theaters on October 3 via A24. Watch the powerful new trailer below.
