Dwayne Johnson’s New Movie Just Got 10 Times More Exciting—Here’s Why MMA Fans Are Losing It!

While Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may not be stepping into the WWE ring anytime soon, his upcoming role in The Smashing Machine has MMA fans—and moviegoers alike—buzzing with anticipation. Directed by Benny Safdie, known for his work on Uncut Gems, this biopic about controversial MMA legend Mark Kerr has been on my radar for quite some time. The trailer alone had me hooked, but it wasn’t until recently that one tiny detail about the film’s production turned my excitement into sheer, uncontainable hype.

A Long-Awaited Sports Biopic

For years, I’ve eagerly followed the development of The Smashing Machine. As soon as the first photos of Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr were released, I was captivated by how the actor looked somewhat unrecognizable in his portrayal of the MMA fighter. With every glimpse of new footage or a sneak peek of Johnson in action, my anticipation for the film grew. It became clear that this movie had the potential to be a game-changer for Johnson’s career, expanding his already impressive filmography into the world of sports biopics.

But it wasn’t until the movie’s first trailer dropped that the full weight of The Smashing Machine hit me. The grainy, gritty aesthetic, the raw intensity of the fight scenes, and the film’s promise of an unflinching look at the life of Mark Kerr had me completely hooked. I thought to myself, “How could this possibly get more exciting?” Well, it did—thanks to one detail about the film’s production that raised my excitement to new heights.

The Safdie Touch: A Commitment to Authenticity

During a recent interview on Matt Serra’s YouTube channel, MMA legend Bas Rutten revealed something that made my jaw drop. Rutten, who worked closely with Safdie and Johnson on The Smashing Machine, shared that the director had gone to extreme lengths to ensure the film’s authenticity—so much so that he sourced the same cameras used by PRIDE FC, the iconic Japanese MMA promotion, during the era of Mark Kerr’s reign.

“We used the same cameras that PRIDE had,” Rutten said. “Then the special parts that they film when the fighter walks up, that’s a different camera. He got those cameras, so it looked exactly the same. Yeah, he’s something, man. That guy is very involved in what he’s doing.”

At first, I assumed the grainy, washed-out look in the fight footage from the trailer was some clever post-production editing or visual effects designed to give the scenes an old-school vibe. But no—Benny Safdie went above and beyond to ensure the cameras used on set were identical to the ones used in PRIDE FC broadcasts. It’s one of those small but crucial details that fans of old-school MMA will absolutely appreciate, and it speaks volumes about the level of commitment Safdie has to making The Smashing Machine as authentic as possible.

The Attention to Detail Is Absolutely Next Level

This focus on accuracy doesn’t stop at the cameras. Rutten also shared how Safdie recreated the Tokyo Dome—home to many of PRIDE FC’s most legendary events—down to the Japanese writing on the walls and the lighting that was used during the shows at the famous stadium. From the cinematography to the set design, every detail is being meticulously crafted to transport audiences back to the golden age of MMA.

As a huge fan of MMA films, I’ve seen my fair share of gritty fight movies—Warrior, anyone? But hearing Rutten’s excitement about Safdie’s involvement in the film made me realize just how much this film is going to stand out. This is going to be a sports biopic unlike any other, with an attention to detail that’s sure to resonate with both diehard MMA fans and those who appreciate films that dive deep into the raw, unfiltered side of their subjects.

Conclusion: A Movie Worth Waiting For

The Smashing Machine has always been one of my most anticipated movies, but learning just how far Benny Safdie is going to make this film as real and faithful to the sport as possible has taken my excitement to a whole new level. From using the same cameras that PRIDE FC used to recreating the Tokyo Dome, Safdie’s commitment to authenticity is nothing short of impressive.

With Dwayne Johnson in the lead and a director as meticulous as Benny Safdie at the helm, this is a film that’s going to deliver an unforgettable experience. If you’re a fan of MMA or sports biopics, The Smashing Machine is shaping up to be a must-watch movie that’s sure to leave a lasting impact. I can’t wait to see it when it hits theaters in 2025.