“The Smashing Machine,” a highly anticipated film by A24, is set to hit theaters next week, bringing to life the tumultuous story of real-life MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Directed by Benny Safdie, the movie stars Dwayne Johnson, better known as The Rock, in the challenging role of Kerr, alongside Emily Blunt as Kerr’s girlfriend.
Mark Kerr’s journey to fame began on the wrestling mats of Toledo, Ohio, but it was at Syracuse University where he truly made his mark, winning the NCAA Division I Championship at 190 pounds in 1992. However, Kerr’s path was not without setbacks. He faced significant hurdles, including a year-long expulsion from Syracuse after a 1989 arrest for burglary, which led to the loss of his athletic scholarship. During this turbulent time, Kerr worked as a roadie for major rock bands to make ends meet. His determination saw him return to Syracuse, regain his scholarship, and graduate in 1992 as a national champion.
After college, Kerr aimed for Olympic glory but turned to the burgeoning world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) when his Olympic dreams were dashed. He quickly gained notoriety in the sport, earning the nickname “The Smashing Machine” due to his formidable fighting style. However, his rise was met with challenges as controversy surrounded combative sports, leading to a ban in several states, including New York. Despite this, Kerr found international success, particularly in Japan’s Pride Fighting Championships.
Behind his professional success, Kerr battled personal demons, including depression and an addiction to painkillers, which culminated in an overdose in 1999. His story of resilience and struggle is captured in the film, which draws heavily from the 2002 documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.”
Dwayne Johnson, who has long aspired to bring Kerr’s story to the silver screen, dedicated himself to the role by undergoing physical transformations and rigorous training alongside Kerr, who consulted for the film. Johnson performed his own fight choreography, bringing authenticity to the fight scenes, including one where he took a real punch—a testament to his commitment to portraying Kerr’s life accurately.
The film’s release comes at a time when MMA enjoys unprecedented popularity, underscored by recent multi-billion-dollar deals and potential high-profile events on the horizon. Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr offers a window into the life of an early pioneer of the sport, highlighting the highs and lows of a fighter’s life beyond the ring.
“The Smashing Machine” aims not only to entertain but also to provide an insightful look into the life of one of MMA’s early icons, premiering in theaters on October 3rd.