The Smashing Machine: Full list of cast and characters explored

The Smashing Machine is a biographical drama film slated for release on October 3, 2025. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film features Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as the lead, portraying the former MMA fighter and mixed martial artist, Mark Kerr. It is based on the 2002 documentary, The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.

The narrative is based on the life of Mark Kerr, chronicling his troubled career during the sport's unregulated early days (1997-2000). The story revolves around Kerr's two-time UFC heavyweight tournament title and his supremacy in the ring, which contrasts sharply with his troubles outside of it, especially his battle with opiate addiction brought on by the physical toll of his fights

It also explores his struggles in personal life, notably with his partner, Dawn Staples (played by Emily Blunt). The supporting cast features Ryan Bader playing fellow fighter Mark Coleman, and Bas Rutten portraying himself. The movie has already received positive reviews from critics, and at the Venice International Film Festival, Safdie won a Silver Lion for Best Director.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson portrays Mark Kerr in the documentary film The Smashing Machine

Dwayne Johnson at The Smashing Machine UK Special Screening (Image via Getty)

Dwayne Johnson is portraying the two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, Mark Kerr, in The Smashing Machine. A professional wrestler himself, Johnson's portrayal of the MMA pioneer is hailed as the most profound and transformative of his career. Johnson underwent a drastic physical and emotional transformation, including hours of daily prosthetic work and weight gain, to embody the UFC champion.

Johnson, known for his captivating, blockbuster-action physique and persona, draws on his deep, personal understanding of the combat sports world, including the physical toll, the recognition, and the intense pressure of performance. Dwayne Johnson began his acting career with 2001's blockbuster The Mummy Returns, which led to his first starring role in the 2002 spin-off, The Scorpion King.

Ever since, his career shifted from professional wrestling to a major Hollywood star, known for action-adventure blockbusters. Johnson eventually became one of Hollywood's highest-paid and most successful actors. His notable performances include joining the Fast & Furious franchise with Fast Five (2011), voicing Maui in Disney's Moana (2016), and the successful Jumanji films.