One of the largest film stars in the world recently underwent a transformation to become a historical figure of the world of mixed martial arts.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has been interested in MMA for a while, but his upcoming film 'The Smashing Machine' brings this to new heights.
To prepare for the role of former UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Kerr, Johnson had to spend a lot of time on the mats to accurately portray the character.
The film also contains people like Ryan Bader who had nothing but positive things to say about Johnson and the work he did to make the role more credible from a physical position.
Despite his dedication, however, many wondered why one of the most successful stars in all of entertainment would in the first place?
Training camp – hard work to learn everything and absorb what I can do.
Thank you @Blackhousemma for the fact that you gave me the privilege of training in your gym while I am preparing for the role of Mark Kerr, in “The Smashing Machine”.
Mark was twice @Ufc Heavyweight World Tournament Champion … pic.twitter.com/ihtz85arVX
– Dwayne Johnson (@therock) May 12, 2024
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Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson says he was attracted to 'the smashing machine' because of the challenge
Although he will always be associated with a WWE ring, Dwayne Johnson has found enormous success as an actor and he has become the kind of star that makes projects alone.
During his time in Hollywood, 'The Rock' has largely held on to pleasant films that made it all the more surprising when he decided to collaborate with the much -praised A24 and Bennie Safdie.
For a long time, fans will already know that Johnson is a fan of combat sport, which means that the role would always pull him to a certain extent, but recording a biopic is a very unique challenge.
It is not surprising that that is exactly what he has pulled to the project now that he has gained a lot of experience in the lead role in large budget blockbusters.
During his recent performance on the Pat McAfee show shortly after Wrestlemania 41 took place in Las Vegas, Johnson spoke more in depth about why he wanted to take this challenging role that would really push him as an actor.
“I wanted to chase and be inspired by the challenge for years to chase the challenge. I love to make the larger blockbuster films. They are very nice. They are hard as S – to make, and many people enjoy it, hopefully, knocking on wood, all over the world.
“And moreover, I know it sounds crazy, but to be nervous. In a sense you are Buzzy.” How am I going to do this? I don't know how to do this? ” That happened on 'The Smashing Machine' with Benny Safdie and A24 and, of course, Emily Blunt “.
What is Dwayne Johnson's 'The Smashing Machine' about?
'The Smashing Machine' is a biopic that is written and directed by Benny Safdie with a planned release date of 3 October after the time frame has been brought forward by A24.
MMA -hunter Mark Kerr was nicknamed 'The Smashing Machine' during his career, where he won several UFC heavyweight tournaments and proudly competed for a few years.
The story of Kerr's life and career was rather the subject of a 2002 documentary under the same name as the upcoming film in which his struggle with resource abuse and how it influenced his relationships became a focus of the film.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson plays Kerr, who is currently 56 years old, with the cast also with Emily Blunt who was nominated last year for an Academy Award for her supporting role in Oppenheimer.