Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was ready for something more.
After becoming the most moving man in sports entertainment, Johnson swept Hollywood and quickly became one of the industry’s biggest action stars, reminiscent of a time when names like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone dominated the box office. Along the way, Johnson has established himself as one of the world’s most bankable film stars, with his films exceeding $12.5 billion.
But just as “The Rock” loves to make big-budget summer blockbuster movies, he was ready for another challenge.
input, Smashing Machinean ambitious biography of the life and times of mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr.
“For years I’ve been following the challenges and wanted to be inspired by the challenges,” Johnson told Pat McAfee. “I love making bigger blockbuster movies. They’re so much fun. They’re hard to make, and a lot of people enjoy them.
“And on top of that, I know it sounds crazy, but it makes me nervous. In a way, you’re bustling. That’s what happened. Smashing Machine Benny Safdie and A24, and of course, Emily Blunt (H/T MMA Fighting).
“The Rock” will feature many combat sports stars in “The Smashing Machine.”
Produced by A24 Everything is at once anywhereand director Benny Safdy (Uncut gem), the Smashing Machine is set to hit theaters on October 3, 2025.
“Rock” and in addition to him Jungle Cruise Co-star Emily Brandt, the film stars former Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader, who plays UFC Hall of Fame and Kerr’s friend Mark Coleman, and several other well-known combat sports figures, including heavyweight boxing champions Olexandre Usaik, Satoshi Ishii, James Moontri, former UFC Heavy Champen and former UFC Kingdom.