TLDR
Benny Safdie remakes a 2002 documentary about MMA fighter Mark Kerr, starring Dwayne Johnson in the lead role
Johnson uses prosthetics and his wrestling background to deliver a naturalistic performance that critics praise
Emily Blunt plays Kerr’s girlfriend Dawn Staples, with real MMA fighters filling other roles
The film focuses on Kerr’s personal struggles and addiction rather than fight scenes
The Smashing Machine releases in U.S. theaters on October 3, 2025
Sources: Paste Magazine | Variety | Entertainment Weekly
Director Benny Safdie has brought the story of MMA pioneer Mark Kerr to theaters with The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson in a dramatic departure from his recent action blockbusters. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2025 and opens in U.S. theaters on October 3, 2025.
The movie remakes John Hyams’ 2002 documentary of the same name. It follows Kerr during his peak years as an ultimate fighting champion at the turn of the century.
Johnson uses prosthetic makeup to transform into Kerr, creating a look that sits somewhere between the actor and the real fighter. The actor draws on his own wrestling background to bring authenticity to the role.
Critics have praised Johnson’s performance as a return to serious acting after years of family-friendly franchise films. One reviewer noted it’s “refreshing to see Johnson taking up a part that gives him some actual meat to chew on after resigning himself to Jungle Cruises and Black Adams for so long.”
Real Fighters Fill the Cast
Safdie cast actual MMA and UFC professionals in most roles besides Johnson and his co-star Emily Blunt. Ryan Bader plays Mark Coleman, Kerr’s former trainer and fellow fighter.
Blunt portrays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s girlfriend who often gets neglected due to his single-minded focus on fighting. The film includes intimate scenes between the couple that expand on their relationship beyond what the original documentary could capture.
Safdie even gave a small speaking role to a man he spotted in a casino. The director confirmed this casting choice during a Q&A session at the Toronto International Film Festival.
A Quiet Drama About a Fighter
Despite its subject matter, The Smashing Machine is not a typical fight movie. Safdie filmed on 16mm and keeps the camera outside the ring during matches.
The film focuses more on Kerr’s personal struggles, including his opiate addiction. Fight scenes are few and far between in the script.
The movie opens by recreating the documentary’s beginning almost word-for-word. Kerr narrates his approach to fighting: “In the ring, my thoughts are pretty pure. I’m gonna hurt him before he hurts me.”
But Kerr quickly reveals his own confusion about why he fights. This contradiction drives the film’s emotional core.
Cinematographer Maceo Bishop shot the film with a realistic, unromantic style. Composer Nala Sinephro created a dreamy synth score that matches the reflective tone.
Safdie won a directing prize at Venice for his work. The film will also release on HBO Max on January 23, 2026.
Reviewers have noted the film doesn’t quite capture how dominant Kerr was in his era. It also omits context like the U.S. UFC ban that forced him to fight in Japan.
The makeup team of Kazu Hiro, Felix Fox and Mia Neal received a Critics Choice Award nomination for their work transforming Johnson. The film is set to screen in IMAX theaters despite its quiet, intimate approach to storytelling.