Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s The Smashing Machine film went into full hype mode this week with the discharge of the official trailer, however behind the cameras, the former WWE Champion has put himself through brutal MMA training and handled damage to painting Mark Kerr. Right here’s why M&F is happy for DJ’s most difficult function to this point.
Earlier than principal pictures for The Smashing Machine even started in Might 2024, Johnson was balancing MMA coaching with a return to skilled wrestling. As “The Last Boss,” The Rock electrified WWE followers as soon as once more at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, however quickly pivoted his consideration again on being Mark Kerr, the collegiate wrestling standout and two-time UFC Heavyweight Match Champion. The fighter, who additionally excelled in World Vale Tudo and Delight FC, would undergo the struggles of substance abuse and psychological well being points, changing into the topic of a HBO documentary that helped to encourage the film. Eerily, Kerr had childhood desires of changing into a professional wrestler, whereas Johnson at all times questioned how he would honest within the Octagon.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Took on His Difficult Position But for ‘The Smashing Machine’
Immersing himself in his most mentally and bodily difficult function but, Johnson launched into a coaching regime that included MMA staples like placing and grappling. The truth is, the “Most electrifying man in sports activities leisure” even bought to combine it up with Kerr himself so as to channel probably the most genuine portrayal attainable. It’s also recognized that the actor spent many hours sweating it out on the famend fitness center, Black Home MMA in California.
Johnson has admitted that the coaching was extraordinarily powerful, and that whereas he felt good about his progress, the professional wrestling star was “removed from happy” along with his method within the early going. Nonetheless, day-to-day, DJ remained a pupil of the sport. He additionally labored with Kerr’s former MMA rival and buddy, Mark Coleman, additional contributing to the authenticity of the story. “What a pleasure,” mentioned Coleman of his interactions with the film star. “Very variety, humble man. The aura round him is one thing particular. He’s really an enormous in so some ways.”
The shoot wasn’t with out its slip-ups, nevertheless. “Any time your movie known as ‘The Smashing Machine’, effectively, you’re going to get smashed up,” shared The Rock in an Instagram post detailing a grotesque elbow damage sustained in fight. “I bought banged up fairly good immediately.”
Fortuitously, the arduous work might effectively repay for Johnson. The early buzz round his unimaginable transformation to play Kerr has bought The Smashing Machine’s publicity machine off to an important begin. The undertaking can be directed by the award-winning Benny Safdie, who was praised for his work on Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler. UFC President Dana White has also said he believes Johnson needs to be up for an Oscar nomination primarily based on his dedication to the function.
Whereas the film itself shouldn’t be set to be launched till October 2025, many critics suppose that this might be a big step within the evolution of DJ’s performing profession. Fortuitously, the gravity of The Smashing Machine shouldn’t be misplaced on the loveable film star. “A real honor for me to pay homage and respect to this legendary MMA Godfather, all MMA fighters, the MMA group, and all our athletes who’ve struggled with psychological well being and dependancy,” concludes Johnson of his lifechanging experience making The Smashing Machine.
