Dwayne Johnson to star in Mark Kerr biopic from 'Uncut Gems' director Benny Safdie

Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
Updated ·2 min read
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Dwayne Johnson is heading back into the ring for his next big role.

Johnson, who became a household name in entertainment thanks to his wrestling persona "The Rock," has been tapped to portray mixed martial arts icon Mark Kerr in the upcoming biopic "The Smashing Machine," Johnson's representative Michelle Margolis confirmed to USA TODAY in an email Wednesday.

The film's title pays tribute to Kerr's fighting moniker of the same name.

Johnson developed the film with "Uncut Gems" co-director Benny Safdie, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline. The film will mark Safdie's solo directorial debut for a feature film.

Dwayne Johnson, pictured, is set to star as MMA icon Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine," a biopic directed by "Uncut Gems" director Benny Safdie.
Dwayne Johnson, pictured, is set to star as MMA icon Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine," a biopic directed by "Uncut Gems" director Benny Safdie.

This isn't the first time Kerr's life story has received cinematic treatment. Kerr was the subject of the 2002 HBO documentary "The Smashing Machine," directed by John Hyams.

A24 will finance and co-produce the film alongside Johnson's Seven Bucks Productions and Safdie's Out for the Count banner, per THR and Deadline. The film will chronicle Kerr's personal struggles, including his battle with addiction in the early 2000s.

"Dwayne and Benny are singular talents, and their shared vision for Mark's inspiring story is electrifying," A24’s Noah Sacco said in a statement to the outlets. "We are deeply honored to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life."

Safdie, best known for his directorial work with brother Josh Safdie, co-helmed the 2019 crime thriller "Uncut Gems," which starred Adam Sandler, Julia Fox and Idina Menzel. The film was nominated for best picture at the Critics Choice Awards in 2020 and earned the Safdies a best director win at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards in 2019.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dwayne Johnson to star as Mark Kerr in MMA biopic by Benny Safdie