Dwayne Johnson Looks Unrecognisable in First Shot From The Smashing Machine

Dwayne Johnson is going to war in the first shot from his new drama, sports biography The Smashing Machine.

He plays Mark Kerr, a legendary mixed martial artist and two-time UFC Heavyweight champion. Kerr had a colorful career, triumphing over some of the most established names in the sport but struggling with addiction and domestic issues.

It’s a life worthy of a prestige drama, which is exactly what this A24-produced film looks like from the first shot.

It shows Johnson sitting on his stall between rounds looking absolutely exhausted. Also, for the first time in about twenty years, he has a full head of hair. It’s a different look entirely from the Dwayne Johnson starring in his epic Christmas movie.

There were fears the actor was too old to play an athlete in the prime of his career. Johnson is currently 52, only a few years younger than the retired Kerr is now at 55. To be fair, the wig takes a few decades off him.

It suggests Johnson will portray Kerr at different stages of his life, both during his storied career and after. Although don’t expect him to pack on a flabby paunch like Robert De Niro in Raging Bull.

The Smashing Machine co-stars Emily Blunt, and is directed by Benny Safdie. It’s reported to be releasing in December 2024.