Dwayne Johnson as Sam Kerr in biopic is a role no one saw coming

Benny Safdie is embarking on his first solo directorial venture with The Smashing Machine - an A24 production featuring Dwayne Johnson in the role of MMA and UFC champion Mark Kerr, potentially marking The Rock’s most dramatic role to date.

What

• Dwayne Johnson is set to portray Mark Kerr, the renowned MMA fighter of the intense UFC era, in A24's film The Smashing Machine. 

• Marking another collaboration between A24 and Benny Safdie, co-director and co-writer of the hit Uncut Gems, as well as 2017's Good Time; the movie is produced and financed by the same indie studio. 
• The project, initiated when Johnson's Seven Bucks Productions secured rights in 2019, delves into Kerr's 2000 journey, tackling themes of addiction, victory, love, and friendship in the former MMA fighter's life. 

Dwayne Johnson's biggest role yet

• Collaborating with A24 marks Johnson's first ever work away from the typical big-budget action or adventure films he's majorly been involved in as of late. 

• However, given his role and background in the MMA and wrestling world, he may just be the best choice for the project.
• Both Johnson and Safdie have been working on this project since 2019, which establishes that both the lead star and the director are closely connected to the story, making it more likely that they know exactly what the project needs.

Who is Mark Kerr?

• Mark Kerr, a renowned American ex-wrestler and MMA legend, clinched the UFC Heavyweight Tournament title twice and triumphed in the World Vale Tudo Championship. 

• With a remarkable career, he secured more than two dozen MMA titles. In 2003, HBO featured Kerr in a documentary named The Smashing Machine.
• The upcoming biopic plans to tell a story under Safdie's direction and writing, adopting that title. A24's press release focuses on Kerr's experiences in the UFC, including his struggles with addiction, moments of triumph, love, and friendships in the year 2000.