Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson offered a glimpse into his role in the forthcoming A24 biographical sports drama, “The Smashing Machine,” centered on the life of former wrestler and MMA icon Mark Kerr. This role marks a departure for Johnson, known for his action-packed or family-oriented films, as he undergoes a complete transformation for the character.
In a post on Instagram on Tuesday, the 52-year-old actor shared a still image from the film, captioning it as the “first look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine,” featuring himself and Emily Blunt. The photo depicts Johnson seated in a wrestling ring corner, showcasing a distinct appearance with a full head of hair and extensive makeup and prosthetics to embody the heavyweight champion, notably concealing his trademark tattoos.
Johnson indicated in a hashtag that the image was captured on the first day of filming for the movie, which draws inspiration from a 2002 HBO documentary sharing the same title. The documentary delves into Kerr’s challenges with substance abuse, his personal relationships, training dynamics, and camaraderie with fellow MMA luminary Mark Coleman.
Earlier in the day, Johnson provided a glimpse into his preparation for the role, sharing behind-the-scenes photos from his training regimen, which notably included sessions with the legendary fighter himself, Mark Kerr.
“He’s still a f–king machine, that can close the distance with scary speed and power,” he continued. “I’ll forever be grateful to the core for our his invaluable knowledge he’s been gracious enough to pass onto me and especially for the brotherhood we share.”
While a specific release date for the cinematic adaptation is yet to be confirmed, audiences can anticipate its arrival in theaters sometime in 2025.
