The Smashing Machine (2025 film)

The Smashing Machine
Directed byBenny Safdie
Written byBenny Safdie
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyMaceo Bishop
Edited by
Music byNala Sinephro
Production
companies
Distributed byA24
Release date
  • 2025 (2025)[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Smashing Machine is an upcoming American biographical sports drama film co-edited, co-produced, written and directed by Benny Safdie. It stars Dwayne Johnson as former wrestler and mixed martial artist Mark Kerr, alongside Emily Blunt as his then-wife. The film is set to be released in 2025 by A24.

Cast

Production

In December 2023, it was announced that a biographical sports drama film based on the life and career of former wrestler and mixed martial artist Mark Kerr was in development at A24, with Benny Safdie directing and writing the screenplay, and Dwayne Johnson in the lead role.[3] In late February 2024, Emily Blunt was in talks to join the film.[4] In March, during the 96th Academy Awards, Johnson confirmed that Blunt would star in the film as Kerr's wife Dawn Staples.[5] In May, Lyndsey Gavin, Oleksandr Usyk, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten and Zoe Kosovic joined the cast.[6][7]

Principal photography began on May 21, 2024, in Vancouver, Los Angeles, New Mexico, and Tokyo.[8][9] Filming wrapped on August 7.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Goodfellow, Melanie; Wiseman, Andreas (August 7, 2024). "Dwayne Johnson MMA Fighter Pic 'The Smashing Machine' Scores Deals For A24 As Shooting Wraps". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  2. ^ Williams, Jackson (June 8, 2024). "Roberto 'Cyborg' Abreu Cast As Fabio Gurgel In Mark Kerr Biopic 'The Smashing Machine'". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  3. ^ Gallupo, Mia (December 13, 2023). "Dwayne Johnson to Play MMA Fighter Mark Kerr in A24 Movie from Benny Safdie". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  4. ^ Sneider, Jeff (February 26, 2024). "Exclusive: Emily Blunt in Talks to Join Dwayne Johnson in Benny Safdie's 'The Smashing Machine'". The InSneider. Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  5. ^ Ramos Bechara, Diego (March 10, 2024). "Dwayne Johnson Talks Reuniting With Emily Blunt for New MMA Drama, 'Possibly' Reteaming for 'Jungle Cruise 2'". Variety. Archived from the original on March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  6. ^ Brown, Emily (May 21, 2024). "Dwayne Johnson is completely unrecognizable in new movie role leaving fans shocked". UNILAD. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  7. ^ Russell, Skylar (May 22, 2024). "Report: A24's 'The Smashing Machine' Targeting A December 2024 Release". Fightful. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  8. ^ Prasad, Sumith (March 2, 2024). "Dwayne Johnson's The Smashing Machine Starts Multi-Country Filming in May". The Cinemaholic. Archived from the original on March 2, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  9. ^ Sharf, Zack (May 21, 2024). "'The Smashing Machine' First Look: Dwayne Johnson Transforms into MMA Icon Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie's A24 Drama". Variety. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2024.