Current:Home > MarketsSee Dwayne Johnson transform into Mark Kerr in first photo from biopic 'The Smashing Machine' -Wealth Evolution Experts
See Dwayne Johnson transform into Mark Kerr in first photo from biopic 'The Smashing Machine'
View
Date:2025-04-15 17:05:45
Take a look at what The Rock's been cooking.
A24 has dropped a first look at Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as mixed martial artist Mark Kerr in the upcoming biopic "The Smashing Machine." The photo, shared on social media, showed the typically bald wrestler looking almost unrecognizable as Kerr, sporting short black hair and with his iconic tattoos covered up.
Benny Safdie, one half of the filmmaking duo known as the Safdie brothers, is directing "The Smashing Machine," which also stars Emily Blunt. Kerr is a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion known as The Smashing Machine, and a documentary about him, also called "The Smashing Machine," aired on HBO in 2002.
The casting of Johnson as Kerr was announced in December. On Tuesday, the actor and WWE star revealed that the film is beginning production this week and noted that he trained with Kerr, 55, whom he said is still a "machine."
"I'll forever be grateful to the core for our his invaluable knowledge he's been gracious enough to pass onto me and especially for the brotherhood we share," Johnson wrote.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The "Black Adam" star added, "Locking up with Mark, and feeling his press and power - it's no surprise he was an NCAA, UFC & VALE TUDO Heavyweight Champion."
Dwayne Johnsonto star in Mark Kerr biopic from 'Uncut Gems' director Benny Safdie
"The Smashing Machine" appears to represent a shift toward more dramatic, and potentially even Oscar-worthy, roles for Johnson after years of starring in action movies and comedies like the "Jumanji" and "Fast & Furious" films. The movie is expected to deal with Kerr's battle with addiction.
Benny Safdieconfirms Safdie brothers split, calls change with brother Josh 'natural progression'
"I'm at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I've not pushed myself in the past," Johnson said in an interview with Variety published in January. "I'm at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle (and) pain."
"The Smashing Machine" will also mark the first film that Safdie has directed solo after working with his brother, Josh Safdie, on movies like "Good Time" and "Uncut Gems." Benny Safdie told Variety that the split with Josh was not due to a falling out but was "a natural progression of what we each want to explore."
Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
veryGood! (91595)
Related
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Firefighting pilot killed in small plane crash in Montana
- Lola Consuelos Shares Rare PDA Photos With Boyfriend Cassius Kidston
- Photos of Lionel Messi with 16-year-old soccer star Lamine Yamal as a baby resurface
- Bodycam footage shows high
- Get an Extra 60% Off J.Crew Sale Styles, 50% Off Sur La Table, 20% Off Paula's Choice Exfoliants & More
- It's National Kitten Day! Watch the cutest collection of kitten tales
- Man sentenced to 4-plus years in death of original ‘Mickey Mouse Club’ cast member
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Iranian court orders US to pay $6.7 billion after sanctions allegedly stopped special bandage supply
Ranking
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- North Carolina senator’s top aide now CEO of Carolina Hurricanes parent company
- California man charged in 'random' July 4th stabbing attack that left 2 dead, 3 injured
- ABTCOIN Trading Center: Market Impact of BTC Spot ETFs
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- Taylor Swift performs three tracks for the first time on Eras Tour in Zürich, Switzerland
- It's National Kitten Day! Watch the cutest collection of kitten tales
- More than 1 million Houston-area customers still without power after Beryl
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
Kyle Richards Shares a Hack for Doing Her Own Makeup on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Cast Trips
Sen. Bob Menendez bribery case one step closer to jury deliberations as closing arguments wrap up
Keira Knightley and Husband James Righton Make Rare Appearance at Wimbledon 2024
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
Man sentenced to 4-plus years in death of original ‘Mickey Mouse Club’ cast member
Keira Knightley and Husband James Righton Make Rare Appearance at Wimbledon 2024
Shelley Duvall, star of ‘The Shining,’ ‘Nashville,’ dies at 75