The Rock returns to the ring: Dwayne Johnson joins 'The Smashing Machine' biographical film about the MMA fighter

Dwayne Johnson will be back in the ring again, teaming up with Uncut Gems director Benny Safdie for a film from A24 called The Smashing Machine.

Here's What We Know

The upcoming film is based on the real life of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts fighter and two-time UFC heavyweight tournament titleholder. It is scripted and directed by Benny Safdie, who is developing it with Dwayne Johnson for 2019.

Johnson will play the lead role, which seems perfect for him, as before starting his acting career in 2004, he worked for the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE) for a full eight years, where he earned his nickname "The Rock".

Here's What The Movie Is About

The fighter's story has already been covered in a 2002 HBO documentary of the same name. That film covers the professional career of Kerr, who earned the nickname "The Smashing Machine" because of his no-holds-barred fighting style. The documentary also touches on his personal life and his struggle with addiction to painkillers.

When to Expect

The Smashing Machine doesn't have a release date yet.

But, it's not the only biographical wrestling drama A24 is currently working on, as the studio will release "The Iron Claw," a wrestling film based on the true story of the Vaughn Erich brothers who made history in the competitive wrestling world of the 1980s, on 22 December 2023.

Source: Total Film