‘The Rock’ takes center stage as MMA Icon in upcoming movie.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is about to embark on his next cinematic journey, delving into the life of a pioneering figure in mixed martial arts.
With a near pivot towards becoming an MMA fighter himself, Johnson will step into the shoes of former PRIDE sensation Mark Kerr for an upcoming biopic titled The Smashing Machine. Kerr, a standout figure in the late 1990s, emerged as one of the titans of MMA when the sport was still in its infancy.
Produced under the wing of A24’s Benny Safdie, known for his co-lead role in the hit film Uncut Gems alongside Adam Sandler, this biopic promises to unveil Kerr’s gripping story. Interestingly, The Smashing Machine shares its title with a 2002 HBO documentary that delved deep into Kerr’s tumultuous life.
A24, a renowned film production company, has an impressive track record of creating acclaimed movies, including notable Oscar-winning films such as “Everything, Everywhere All at Once” and “Moonlight.” Both of these outstanding movies earned the prestigious Best Picture Academy Awards.
This marks yet another remarkable leap for Johnson into the realm of MMA. Notably, he made headlines presenting the inaugural BMF title to Jorge Masvidal following Masvidal’s victorious showdown against Nate Diaz at UFC 244. The Rock’s involvement with MMA continues to cement his passion for the sport and its icons.
The Rock Channels MMA Greatness in ‘The Smashing Machine’ as Mark Kerr
During his impressive fighting career, Kerr achieved great success, winning two UFC heavyweight tournament championships and defeating tough opponents like Hugo Duarte and Pedro Otavio. However, he retired in 2009 after losing to Muhammed ‘King Mo’ Lawal in M-1 Global.
Kerr faced challenges off the mat too, dealing with substance abuse, notably highlighted in a 2002 documentary about his life.
A former NCAA Division I National Champion wrestler, Kerr’s character will be played by WWE legend Johnson. Johnson’s deep interest in MMA makes him a great fit for the role.
There’s no release date announced yet for The Smashing Machine. The movie will bring Kerr’s extraordinary story to the big screen.
