Who is Mark Kerr? UFC Icon’s Biopic ‘The Smashing Machine’ Releases Digitally
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s latest film, The Smashing Machine, may be his most transformative and daring role to date. Directed by Benny Safdie, known for Uncut Gems, this gritty biographical drama chronicles the life of former UFC champion Mark Kerr. A dominant fighter from Ohio, Kerr’s victories in the octagon were often overshadowed by struggles with addiction and personal loss.
Film Premiere and Reception
The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, where critics applauded Johnson for one of his most emotionally intense performances. To fully embody Kerr, Johnson reportedly spent three to four hours daily in makeup, using over a dozen prosthetics to match Kerr’s distinctive look.
“Johnson delivers one of his most emotionally raw performances.”
Box Office Performance
Despite positive reviews and the director’s signature authenticity, The Smashing Machine struggled commercially. Released in theaters on October 3, the film earned only $20.2 million worldwide against its $40 million budget, according to Koimoi.
Digital Release
Due to its underperformance, the film quickly exited most theaters by early November and was made available for streaming earlier than initially planned.
Summary
The Smashing Machine offers a raw and intimate portrait of Mark Kerr’s turbulent journey, showcasing Johnson’s depth as an actor despite disappointing box office results.
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