Dwayne Johnson has stunned fans again—this time not in the wrestling ring or action blockbusters but in his gritty transformation as UFC legend Mark Kerr for A24’s highly anticipated biopic The Smashing Machine. With the film’s first trailer set to drop on April 29, A24 ramped up the hype by unveiling the official poster, triggering an avalanche of reactions online.
First Look at Dwayne Johnson’s UFC Biopic Has Fans Talking
The poster, revealed via A24’s Instagram account, shows an unrecognizable Johnson, bloodied and battered, embodying the intense physical and emotional toll of Kerr’s career. The image is raw and atmospheric, with the tagline calling it “the unforgettable true story of a UFC legend.” The poster marks the film’s first major promotional asset before its trailer launch.
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Directed and written by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems), “The Smashing Machine” centers around Mark Kerr’s turbulent rise in MMA through the late ’90s and early 2000s. The film tracks his dominance in the ring as a UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and his internal struggles with addiction, fame, and relationships, particularly with his then-wife, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt.
Johnson, who also produces through his Seven Bucks Productions banner, reportedly underwent a drastic physical and emotional transformation for the role.
Social media quickly lit up following the poster’s release. One user declared, “Oh, he is going for an Oscar.” Another commented, “Phenomenal poster 🙌🏽,” while a longtime MMA fan wrote, “Oh boy, this one is going to blow up. Saw the documentary… so looking forward!”
Dana White Says This Role Could Earn Johnson an Oscar Nod
UFC President Dana White is among those who think Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr could be award-worthy. Speaking to Collider last year, White praised Johnson’s commitment to the role and said “The Smashing Machine” could land him in Oscar territory.
“I don’t know if you saw it, but he [Johnson] was showing on his Instagram the other day that he messed up his elbow. ‘The Rock’ will kill this. He will nail this role. I know how seriously he’s taking this, I know who’s working with him, and I know how hard he’s working on this film. I think that this could be the opportunity for ‘The Rock’ to actually be nominated for an Oscar.”
Johnson previously shared photos of his elbow injury sustained during filming, highlighting the role’s physical demands. With Safdie’s gritty direction and Johnson’s leap into a complex real-life character, many believe “The Smashing Machine” could be a career-defining moment for the actor.
“The Smashing Machine” is set for a late 2025 theatrical release, with early industry screenings rumored for the fall.