WWE wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson looks almost unrecognizable as he prepares for the new film based on the life of MMA fighter Matt Kerr. On Tuesday, the independent studio producing the film A24 released some photos of Johnson rocking prosthetics that give him features similar to those of the MMA legend.
The film is set to star A-list Hollywood actors like Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. Johnson, who plays the lead character, has starred in multiple Hollywood blockbusters like San Andreas, Jumanji, G.I Joe, and many others. Benny Sadie will direct the movie, and it will be his first solo directorial debut. Before this, The director collaborated with his brother Josh to create hit movies like ‘Uncut Gems’ and ‘Good Time’ and starred alongside Emily Blunt in the 2024 blockbuster ‘Oppenheimer.’ Sadie kept in touch with his co-star Blunt and went on to work with Dwayne Johnson on a project in 2019. The two lost contact but reconnected, and Sadie pitched the ‘The Smashing Machine’ movie idea to Johnson, who loved it. Blunt–who Sadie had pitched the idea earlier– further encouraged Johnson to play the lead role, which he accepted.
Johnson has been known to star in daring roles in past movies. The actor is said to have completely immersed himself in this role by training with the legend Matt Kerr. When asked what motivated him to play this character, He told Variety, “ Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting. I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity and explore struggle and pain.”
The movie follows the life of iconic MMA legend Matt Kerr, a two-time UFC tournament champion who struggled with drug addiction and marital issues- Emily Blunt will play his wife, Dawn Staples.
