The Rock’s Shocking Transformation in ‘The Smashing Machine’ Revealed!

by

For quite some time now, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has faced criticism due to his portrayal of characters similar to himself in movies. However, with A24’s movie The Smashing Machine, helmed by Benny Safdie (director of Uncut Gems), Johnson gets an opportunity to break free from this pattern. In the upcoming film, instead of reprising his role as a wisecracking action hero, he’ll be bringing the authentic MMA legend, Mark Kerr, to life in the new biopic.

Fresh images of Dwayne Johnson portraying Mark Kerr have surfaced, and this transformation might be one of The Rock’s most striking yet. Johnson shared these pictures on Instagram himself. When people hear “The Rock” and “transformation,” they often think about physical changes, with the actor becoming even more muscular. Indeed, Johnson seems to have increased his muscle mass for The Smashing Machine. However, it’s not just his physique that has undergone a transformation; the makeup and prosthetics used on Johnson have truly transformed him into Mark Kerr.

In the second image, Johnson and Kerr are standing together, and while it’s clear they have different hairstyles, The Rock bears a striking resemblance to the sports icon. Remarkably, this likeness is quite uncanny. This new photo offers fans their most comprehensive glimpse of Johnson in full makeup for the film since last year’s initial promotional image was unveiled. The movie, titled The Smashing Machine, is scheduled to hit theaters on October 3, 2025.

‘The Smashing Machine’ Is a “Weird” Biopic

Even though regular cinema-goers haven’t had a chance to watch the trailer for “The Smashing Machine” as of yet, the initial preview screenings have already taken place. As stated by World of Reel, the early responses to this new A24 film are quite unexpected. The movie, apparently, doesn’t follow the typical biopic pattern and has been described as “unclassifiable in terms of tone and style.” In fact, it’s being referred to as a “satire of the biopic genre,” and surprisingly, among the many peculiar films A24 has produced, this one stands out as “one of the strangest” — an impressive feat given their track record that includes “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” “Men,” “Swiss Army Man,” and “Under the Skin.

Initial reviews of the film might find it peculiar, but Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal in the movie has earned acclaim from another mixed martial arts veteran. Bas Rutten, a former Pancrase champion and co-star in “The Smashing Machine“, commends The Rock for his spot-on portrayal of Mark Kerr. “He did well,” Rutten shared on the Geeking Out podcast. “DJ [Dwayne Johnson] was so convincing, there was a moment during filming where he talked to the Japanese press, and I just happened to walk over and stand nearby. It was all filmed as if it actually occurred. His voice, he started speaking like Kerr.

Mark “The Crushing Force” Kerr, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, is also known for competing in other esteemed organizations such as Pride and the IFL. This documentary will reportedly delve into Kerr’s career within the Octagon, along with his intricate personal life that unfolded between bouts.

Read More

2025-04-10 17:08