Movies

The Rock UNRECOGNIZABLE in New Movie?! You Won’t Believe It!

BBG News

Action legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson undergoes a transformation in the initial trailer of his upcoming biographical sports drama, titled “The Smashing Machine“. Maintaining his physique for the A24 MMA project, this movie will push Johnson’s acting abilities to their limits as he portrays two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Kerr. Take a look at the first trailer for “The Smashing Machine” below.

The movie titled “The Smashing Machine” revolves around Mark Kerr, a renowned MMA fighter from the UFC’s raw and uninhibited era, during his career at its zenith. The plot delves into his battles with addiction, triumph, love, and camaraderie throughout the year 2000. The film is slated for release in cinemas on October 3, 2025, generating anticipation that it could potentially win accolades for its lead actor.

Under the direction of Benny Safdie, who is known for his work on “Uncut Gems”, comes “The Smashing Machine”. This film will narrate the life story of a mixed-martial artist, offering a more dramatic twist than what Dwayne Johnson is accustomed to. Johnson, having made a name for himself by frequently portraying similar characters in blockbuster franchises such as “Fast and Furious”, “Jumanji”, and standalone movies like “San Andreas”, “Red Notice”, “Moana”, among others, has reached the status of Hollywood’s highest-paid actor.

The Rock Wants To Make Movies That Matter…and It All Starts With ‘The Smashing Machine’

In “The Crushing Force,” Emily Blunt (known for films like “Oppenheimer” and “Jungle Cruise”), Lyndsey Gavin (“Always Amore”), heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, former mixed martial artist Bas Rutten (“Here Comes the Boom”), Ryan Bader, Satoshi Ishii (from “Tokyo Vice”), and James Moontasri (“The Beekeeper”) join forces. Dwayne Johnson is also part of this cast. Previously, Blunt hinted that her role would be quite transformative for the action-packed Johnson.

Dwayne, due not just to his impressive stature, but also his inherent personality, has always managed to stand out and remain prominent. This transformation of him is striking and he is barely recognizable.

This movie offers a profoundly intense portrayal, focusing on the authentic story of mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr. His battles with addiction and personal relationships are at the heart of this gripping tale. Watching it was deeply engaging, emotionally charged, and Kerr’s performance is exceptional.

In “The Smashing Machine,” his character serves as a manifestation of Johnson’s recent ambition to challenge himself and produce films that carry significance. The esteemed Hollywood figure expressed that while he isn’t giving up on large-scale productions, he now aims to explore more opportunities in his acting journey.

Benny aims to innovate, consistently venturing beyond boundaries when it comes to stories that are genuine and unfiltered, characters that resonate as authentic and sometimes unsettling and thought-provoking. Currently, I’m seeking challenges in my profession that I haven’t encountered before. Now, I aspire to produce films that carry significance, delving into the human condition, examining struggles, and portraying pain.

To clarify, I’m not giving up on producing four-quadrant films; they hold great worth and significance to me. However, there comes a moment when one seeks something more. Not financial success at the box office, but a deeper connection, more humanity. That’s why Benny Safdie, who shares my passion and drive, is an ideal collaborator for me in this new phase of my career.

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2025-04-29 16:36

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