The first official trailer for The Smashing Machine has arrived, and it’s already throwing punches straight to the gut—in the best way possible.
Directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, Good Time) and starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in one of his most raw and transformative roles to date, The Smashing Machine tells the harrowing, deeply human story of Mark Kerr, a real-life UFC icon whose battles inside the ring were only rivalled by those in his personal life.
Slated for a theatrical release on October 3, the film also features Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt, who reunites with Johnson after their hit collaboration on Jungle Cruise. Here, Blunt takes on the role of Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples, grounding the emotional arc of the story as Kerr grapples with addiction, fame, and the grueling cost of physical dominance.
The trailer pulls no punches. Opening with thunderous applause and the intensity of early MMA mayhem, we see glimpses of Kerr’s rise to stardom, his unmatched power in the cage, and the vulnerability that came with a life lived under constant physical and emotional pressure. Dwayne Johnson is almost unrecognisable, embodying the battered and bruised Kerr with a quiet intensity far removed from his typical blockbuster persona.
🎬 Watch the official trailer now and brace yourself for the unforgettable true story of a UFC legend.
Benny Safdie’s fingerprints are unmistakable—gritty, fast-paced storytelling with an unflinching lens on human fragility and obsession. The Smashing Machine promises to be more than just a biopic or a sports film; it’s an exploration of identity, addiction, and the price of greatness.
Fans and critics alike are already calling this a possible career-best performance for Johnson, who has long been vocal about wanting to push into more dramatic roles. With Safdie at the helm and Blunt bringing her trademark strength and nuance, The Smashing Machine could be the knockout drama of the year.
The Smashing Machine hits cinemas everywhere on October 3. Expect awards buzz, emotional uppercuts, and a side of Dwayne Johnson you’ve never seen before.
