A24 has dropped a new trailer for The Smashing Machine, a gritty biographical sports drama starring Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, the former NCAA wrestling champion and MMA pioneer whose career was as brutal as it was tragic. Written and directed by Benny Safdie — half of the acclaimed Safdie Brothers duo — the film delves into Kerr’s rise in the cage and the personal demons that ultimately derailed him.
Kerr, known in his prime as The Smashing Machine, was a dominant force in 1990s MMA, racking up victories in both UFC and PRIDE. But his success in the ring couldn’t mask his struggles with opioid addiction and mental health, which led to his fall from grace. Emily Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife, who stood by him through the chaos.
The upcoming feature aims to bring Kerr’s complex story to the big screen, exploring both his brutal athletic triumphs and the personal demons that led to his downfall.
The film also features a supporting cast of notable names, including Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, MMA fighters Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten, and Zoe Kosovic. The film was shot on 16mm by cinematographer Maceo Bishop, with an atmospheric score by Belgian artist Nala Sinephro.
The consensus so far seems to be one of admiration for its bold storytelling and powerful performances. The film’s unrelenting look at fame, addiction, and the human cost of sports stardom has critics calling it “unflinching” and “unforgettable.”
The Smashing Machine is slated for theatrical release on October 3, 2025.
