first look photo

The post shows a heavily muscled and intense Johnson, crouched in the corner of a boxing ring. His dramatic physical transformation is hard to ignore, including a surprisingly full head of hair and the notable absence of his trademark tattoos.

The new look has sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders given Johnson’s strong commitment to the role, as seen from other posts shared by the star on Instagram.

Preparing for the Smashing Machine

In a series of old posts, Johnson had shared glimpses of his rigorous training regimen, including a remarkable session with the legendary Mark Kerr. He marked his training camp commemoration with an awe-inspiring session with the former MMA fighter. Expressing gratitude for Kerr’s guidance, Johnson wrote, “I will forever be grateful for the invaluable knowledge he imparted to me and the brotherhood we shared.” In his tribute, Johnson also praised Kerr’s strength and technique, acknowledging the wrestler’s multiple championship wins.

Emily Blunt plays Kerr’s wife Dawn Staples in The Smashing Machine. Directed by Benny Safdie, best known for future classics such as Good Time and Uncut Gems, the film explores the complex intersections of Kerr’s substance abuse addiction, his tumultuous in-ring career, and his complicated relationship with Staples. Johnson’s performance is expected to deliver a powerful blend of raw power and deep emotional resonance, reminiscent of his glory days as ‘The Rock’.

The Smashing Machine will be Dwayne Johnson’s 69th film, following the releases of Red One and Moana 2. The actor has also appeared in several blockbuster films such as Fast & Furious and the Jumanji franchise.