Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is all set for his next project, where the superstar will be starring as an MMA and UFC champion in an upcoming movie. “The Rock” is back with Benny Safdie’s next A24 feature about Mark Kerr.
Mark is a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and one of the greatest wrestlers and mixed martial artists. The movie,written and directed by Benny Safdie, is based on the overall life of Mark, covering his success and downfall due to his struggles with addictions.
Dwayne Johnson to play Mark Kerr in A24 movie
Johnson has never failed on delivering his best and that is one of the main reasons behind his success. Dwayne Johnson also gets higher movie paychecks for his performance. “The Smashing Machine” is the name of the movie based on the life of Mark Kerr. The film will be produced by Johnson alongside Safdie, Dany Garcia, Eli Bush, and David Koplan.
Dwayne started his career as a professional wrestler before getting into Hollywood, so The Rock’s portrayal of Mark Kerr makes sense as both are related through profession. Dwayne Johnson once considered joining MMA in 1997. In 2019 Seven Bucks Productions, owned by Johnson, acquired the rights to make the movie. Since then both Johnson and Safdie have been collaborating on the project.
In 2002 a documentary was also made by HBO titled the same name, The Smashing Machine. The title, “The Smashing Machine” was a nickname Kerr earned due to his no-holds-barred fighting style. The documentary covered Kerr’s professional career in Vale Tudo, the UFC and Pride. It also showed his addiction to pain killers that later lead to an overdose.
“Dwayne and Benny are singular talents, and their shared vision for Mark’s inspiring story is electrifying. We are deeply honored to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life,” said A24’s Noah Sacco in a statement.
Dana White congratulates the Rock
As Johnson gears up for his portrayal of former UFC champion Mark Kerr in his next project, Dana White, one of Dwayne’s good friend, congratulated the superstar for the movie. Dana also once advised Johnson on McMahon.
Dwayne, taking part as a UFC fighter, is a rather interesting development for the President of UFC, especially after his company merged with the WWE. White took to his socials to congratulate ‘The Rock’ saying, “Congrats @TheRock It’s going to be an AWESOME move my brother”.
Johnson made his WWE debut in 1996 and later became one of the most iconic stars in wrestling history. “The Rock” held the WWE Championship eight times and won the WCW Championship twice. In 2001, Johnson transitioned into films, with his first role in “The Mummy Returns.” He went on to star in other blockbusters like “Race to Witch Mountain,” “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” “Jungle Cruise,” and the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
Fans are excited for the upcoming movie and hope that the movie will be worth the hype as it has a great story and great actors for its overall portrayal.
