In The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson is ditching superhero suits and CGI explosions for blood, sweat, and real-life trauma. Based on the life of UFC legend Mark Kerr, this A24 film is not your average “Rock movie”—and that’s exactly why it might be his best.
Here’s what you can expect from The Smashing Machine and why it’s already the most talked-about of The Rock’s upcoming films.
1. This Ain’t Your Usual Dwayne Johnson Flick
Forget skyscrapers and jungle reboots—The Smashing Machine trades in popcorn spectacle for broken bones and emotional wreckage. If you’re used to seeing the Dwayne Johnson Rock persona in full flex, get ready for a complete 180.
2. It’s Based on a Brutal True Story
The movie tells the raw, relentless story of Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion who dominated the early days of MMA while quietly battling addiction, fame, and personal demons. This isn’t just another sports biopic—it’s a gut punch.
3. A24 Is Behind It (Yes, That A24)
The kings of moody, character-driven cinema (Uncut Gems, The Whale, The Iron Claw) are producing this one. So expect emotional chaos, impeccable direction, and zero sugar-coating. The Smashing Machine is going full prestige.
4. Benny Safdie Is Directing
One half of the Safdie Brothers (Good Time, Uncut Gems) is at the helm solo. If you’ve seen his work, you already know this man does not do chill. Chaos, claustrophobia, and realism are guaranteed.
5. Dwayne Johnson Is Acting (Like, Really Acting)
People love to meme The Rock’s acting range, but this is where he might shut the critics up. Playing Mark Kerr means tapping into addiction, insecurity, and self-destruction—not just lifting weights and raising eyebrows.
6. A UFC Origin Story That Doesn’t Feel Corporate
This isn’t a PR-glossed look at the UFC. It’s grimy, early-day MMA—when fighters got paid peanuts and risked everything in rings that looked like prison cages. If you want to understand Mark Kerr’s UFC era, this is the movie to watch.
7. Don’t Expect a Happy Ending
The original 2002 HBO documentary (also titled The Smashing Machine) didn’t hold back. It showed Kerr’s career highs and addiction-fueled lows. The film won’t either. This is not a comeback story—it’s a survival story.
8. It Could Be The Rock’s Career Defining Role
Yes, he’s made billions. But The Smashing Machine might be the one that finally earns him serious acting cred. Not box office cred. Not Instagram followers cred. We’re talking awards-season cred.
9. Real Fighters, Real Consequences
Expect realistic fight choreography, probably minus the superhero slo-mo. Safdie isn’t here to glamorize the violence. He’s here to show what it does to the men inside the cage—and the damage that doesn’t heal with time.
10. The Title Isn’t Just Metaphor—It’s a Warning
The Smashing Machine was Kerr’s nickname. But it also describes the industry, the sport, and the fame engine that chewed him up. This film is about more than MMA—what happens when you can’t switch off the fight.
Final Round:
Between The Rock’s upcoming films, The Smashing Machine is shaping up to be the wildcard. It’s personal. It’s painful. And it might just be unforgettable.
