The Rock to play MMA legend Mark Kerr in biopic ‘The Smashing Machine’
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has signed on to play the role of MMA legend Mark Kerr.
A24 Films, the company behind Iron Claw, announced on Monday that they will work with Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions to produce a movie based on Kerr’s life. Seven Bucks Productions originally announced plans for the film in 2019, with Kerr having given the project his blessing.
The film will borrow the name of a 2002 HBO documentary on Kerr titled, “The Smashing Machine,” which covered his career and struggle with addiction to pain medication.
A24, the company that did the Von Erich movie, has hooked up with Dwayne Johnson for his passion project The Smashing Machine where Johnson will play the role of Mark Kerr, taken from the documentary of the same name.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) December 13, 2023
Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems) will serve as writer and director for the film.
“Dwayne and Benny are singular talents, and their shared vision for Mark’s inspiring story is electrifying. We are deeply honored to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life,” said A24’s Noah Sacco.
Dwayne @TheRock Johnson will be taking his most dramatic role to date in a new A24 project from one half of the 'Uncut Gems' team, Benny Safdie. He will play Mark Kerr in #TheSmashingMachine: https://t.co/hhENiq7NWE pic.twitter.com/W7ZWqx9FQB
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 13, 2023
Kerr won the UFC 14 & 15 tournaments and was a regular with Pride FC from 1998 to 2001.
