Dwayne Johnson in a scene from ‘The Smashing Machine’

Dwayne Johnson is set to surprise audiences with his transformative portrayal of MMA icon Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s upcoming A24 drama. The Smashing Machine, In the newly released first look, Johnson is almost unrecognizable, due to the combination of a toned muscular physique and facial prosthetics. The film also stars Emily Blunt as Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples, who is reuniting with Johnson after their collaboration. Jungle Cruise.

Smashing Machine It is based on the life of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts legend who battled addiction and marital issues while achieving remarkable success in the sport. Kerr’s career includes being a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship Tournament winner, holding over two dozen MMA titles.

The film marks the solo directorial debut of Benny Safdie, following his acclaimed collaborative work with his brother Josh in hit films like A24. happy times And uncut gemsSafdie’s relationship with Johnson dates back to 2019, but the project was delayed due to the pandemic. It was an experience watching Blunt’s 2002 documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr Blunt urged Johnson to take the role, as she understood the impact of the story.

Johnson expressed his excitement for the film Diversitysaying, “Benny wants to create, and when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are authentic and sometimes uncomfortable and fascinating, he continues to pursue it I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I haven’t pushed myself in the past. I want to make films that matter. Who explore humanity and explore conflict [and] Pain.”

Produced by Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions along with Safdie’s Out for the Count, Eli Bush and David Coplan, the film’s release date has not yet been announced by A24.