Dwayne Johnson set to play legendary MMA legend Mark Kerr in A24’s 'The Smashing Machine' by Benny Safdie

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:  Dwayne Johnson is set to play Mark Kerr, one of the most dominant fighters in the history of mixed martial arts, in a biopic from A24.

'The Smashing Machine', written and directed by Benny Safdie, is his first attempt at direction and will chronicle Kerr’s rise and fall in the brutal world of no-holds-barred fighting, The Hollywood Reporter reports. 

A24 reunites with Benny Safdie after Uncut Gems

'The Smashing Machine' report marks the second collaboration between A24 and Safdie who co-wrote and co-directed the acclaimed thriller 'Uncut Gems.'

The movie grossed $50 million domestically and earned Adam Sandler a Golden Globe nomination. Safdie and Johnson have been working on the project since 2019 when Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights to Kerr’s story.

'The Smashing Machine' will explore Mark Kerr’s personal and professional struggles

The film 'The Smashing Machine' will follow Kerr’s journey from a college wrestling champion to a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, a PRIDE FC Heavyweight Champion, and a four-time ADCC World Submission Champion.

Kerr was also featured in a 2003 HBO documentary of the same name, which revealed his battles with addiction, depression, and injuries. 'The Smashing Machine' will depict Kerr’s relationships with his family, friends, and rivals, as well as his quest for redemption.

Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie lead a stellar team of producers and actors

Johnson and his producing partner Dany Garcia will produce 'The Smashing Machine' under their Seven Bucks Productions banner along with Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, Eli Bush, and David Koplan. A24 will finance and distribute the film. Johnson is represented by WME and Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman. Safdie is represented by WME and Untitled Entertainment.

“Dwayne and Benny are singular talents, and their shared vision for Mark’s inspiring story is electrifying," said A24’s Noah Sacco as reported by the Holly Wood Reporter. 

"We are deeply honored to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life," he added. 

Dwayne Johnson's busy schedule with multiple projects in the pipeline

Johnson will next be seen in Netflix’s 'Red Notice 2'. It's the follow-up to the big-budgeted Netflix action comedy of the same name.

Also, Amazon action comedy 'Red One' will see him co-starring alongside Chris Evans. He is represented by WME and Gang Tyre. Safdie's credits include Christopher Nolan’s 'Oppenheimer', Judy Blume's adaptation 'Are You There God?', 'It’s Me, Margarette', and Showtime series 'The Curse', is represented by WME and Untitled Entertainment.