Dwayne Johnson Opens Up About the Nerve-Wracking Challenge Behind ‘The Smashing Machine’ Biopic

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has built a career conquering every arena he steps into—first in wrestling, then in Hollywood blockbusters. But now, he’s stepping into a new kind of battlefield with The Smashing Machine, a highly anticipated biopic chronicling the life of former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr. And according to Johnson himself, it’s been the most extreme challenge of his career yet.

Scheduled for release on October 3, 2025, The Smashing Machine is written and directed by Benny Safdie and also stars Emily Blunt in a leading role. The film promises a raw, unfiltered look at Kerr’s tumultuous life, both inside and outside the cage, and boasts appearances from real-world combat sports legends like Oleksandr Usyk and Bas Rutten.

Taking on the role of Kerr—a pioneer of mixed martial arts known for his dominance in the UFC, PRIDE, and M-1 Global—required Johnson to undergo a dramatic transformation. Speaking recently on The Pat McAfee Show, Johnson described the grueling physical preparation, which included months of mat training to accurately portray the grittiness and physical toll of Kerr’s career. “I had been wanting for years now to chase the challenge and be inspired by the challenge,” Johnson said. “I wanted more. I wanted the opportunity to disappear into something and a role that would challenge me in ways I’ve never been challenged before.”

For an actor synonymous with big-budget spectacle—from Fast and Furious to Black Adam—this biopic represents a profound shift. Johnson admitted that while blockbuster films are thrilling and globally beloved, he craved something deeper: a role that would push him to the brink and force him to rediscover the nerves and adrenaline that come from true artistic risk.

The nervous energy, Johnson said, was a key motivator. “It sounds crazy, but to be nervous in a way, you’re 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,” he explained.

For Johnson, portraying Kerr is not just about honoring a legendary athlete but also about stepping into a layered and troubled life story—one marked by intense highs in the fighting arena and devastating lows behind closed doors. With Kerr himself backing the project, Johnson carries an even heavier responsibility to bring authenticity and respect to the role.

As filming continues, anticipation among fans of MMA, wrestling, and cinema alike is growing rapidly. The Smashing Machine promises to deliver not only brutal fight sequences but also a deeply human story—one that could redefine Dwayne Johnson’s career yet again, this time not with muscle and charisma alone, but with raw vulnerability and unflinching honesty.