Dwayne Johnson, renowned for his electrifying performances both in and out of the ring, took on a more daunting challenge while portraying Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine.” In an intense scene, Johnson faced a real punch from an MMA fighter, bringing an authentic touch to the film that is based on the life of UFC and Pride Fighting veteran Mark Kerr.
The Rock, committed to delivering genuine performances, revealed during a CBS Sports roundtable that while recreating Kerr’s 2000 Pride Grand Prix finals battle, he endured an actual strike that briefly left him seeing stars. Reflecting on the moment, he described the experience as comparable to being hit by a professional fighter multiple times.
Despite having two stuntmen ready for the job, Johnson’s dedication to authenticity was unwavering. The film, predominantly shot from a crowd perspective, required some scenes to showcase up-close combat. For these scenes, Johnson insisted on taking the hits himself, reflecting his method acting approach. Convincing his scene partner to engage in real combat proved challenging, however, as Johnson had to assure him that the integrity of the film depended on authentic action.
Amusingly, legendary fighter Bas Rutten, present during the filming, humorously urged Johnson’s reluctant partner to just hit him, exclaiming, “He’s just The Rock!” Eventually, Johnson experienced a powerful strike that left a mark, a testament to the fighter’s commitment to the role.
“The Smashing Machine,” an adaptation of the 2002 documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr,” also features Emily Blunt and prominent MMA personalities. Ryan Bader takes on the role of UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman, and Bas Rutten plays himself, adding credence to the film’s dedication to authenticity.
This project allowed Johnson to explore the intense world of professional fighting, bridging the gap between Hollywood and real-life combat. The film, premiering on October 3 in the U.S., promises action-packed scenes that reflect the grit and determination of fighters like Mark Kerr, as well as the dedication of actors like Johnson who go above and beyond to bring stories to life.