The Smashing Machine trailer starring ‘The Rock’ is finally here!
On Tuesday, A24 released the first official look at the Mark Kerr biopic starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and his Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt. Joining the pair on the big screen will be MMA veterans Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten, along with heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Check out the trailer below:
‘The Rock’ says ‘The Smashing Machine’ is his love letter to friends who have struggled with addiction and mental health
Directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems), The Smashing Machine tells the story of Kerr, a former UFC heavyweight tournament winner who established himself as a mixed martial arts legend while struggling with substance abuse and the impact it had on his relationship with his then-girlfriend, Dawn Staple, who is portrayed by Blunt in the film.
“I run to this ‘Smashing Machine’ journey with deep respect and love for all MMA fighters and the culture,” Johnson said on Instagram. “Especially those who have struggled with addiction. I’ve lost so many friends over the years from addiction and mental health struggle, from suicide to … it was just their time to go. This is my love letter to them.”
In 2002, HBO aired a documentary also titled The Smashing Machine, which dealt with the life and career of MMA icon, chronicling Kerr’s addiction to painkillers and the “no-holds-barred” aspect of early mixed martial arts events.
Safdie’s theatrical version of Kerr’s story was hit with mixed reviews following an early screening earlier this year, leaving many MMA fans concerned about what kind of film they were actually getting. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait much longer to find out for ourselves.
The Smashing Machine hits theaters on October 3.
