Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson returns to the ring in A24's ‘The Smashing Machine’ with Benny Safdie | All about it

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Dwayne Johnson, widely known as "The Rock," is set to step back into the realm of combat sports, joining forces with Benny Safdie for the A24 biopic, "The Smashing Machine." This cinematic endeavor marks a return to Johnson's combat roots, portraying mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Mark Kerr in a film that promises to capture the essence of Kerr's tumultuous journey.

The Origin: A24 Acquires Rights to «The Smashing Machine»

The genesis of this project traces back to 2019 when Dwayne Johnson's production company, Seven Bucks Productions, secured the rights for the biopic. The film draws inspiration from the acclaimed 2002 documentary, «The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr,» directed by John Hyams. Johnson and Safdie have embarked on this creative collaboration to bring Kerr's riveting story to the big screen.

Adapting Kerr's Triumphs and Tragedies

«The Smashing Machine» unfolds against the backdrop of Mark Kerr's life during the pioneering days of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The film captures the highs and lows of Kerr's career, as chronicled in the original documentary directed by Hyams. A captivating narrative is promised, exploring Kerr's journey through triumphs in the MMA arena and the personal tribulations that accompanied his rise to stardom.

A24 and Safdie: A Reunion of Cinematic Mastery

Benny Safdie, acclaimed for his work on «Uncut Gems,» reunites with A24 for «The Smashing Machine.» The Safdie brothers' previous collaboration with A24 resulted in a critical and commercial triumph, as «Uncut Gems» garnered widespread acclaim and financial success. The cinematic synergy between Safdie and A24 sets the