Many people have dreams of being an actor, sometimes in film and sometimes in television roles.
Some actors fall into the opportunity through lots of auditions, training, and from knowing the right people. But others get their start by becoming a famous name first.
Athletes are often in the public eye, gaining a following for being good at their chosen sport. Once they retire from their profession, some continue to grow their popularity through other ventures.
Many athletes turn to acting, whether through television advertisements and commercials like Coach Prime, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Eli Manning, and Kevin Durant.
Other athletes like Travis Kelce, Pat McAfee, Deion Sanders (Prime), and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. do podcasts to attract a following.
Some celebrities do one-shot cameos, like Michael Jordan and LeBron James in Space Jam, Uncle Drew starring NBA star Kyrie Irving, Airplane! with Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and Blue Chips...
Some actors fall into the opportunity through lots of auditions, training, and from knowing the right people. But others get their start by becoming a famous name first.
Athletes are often in the public eye, gaining a following for being good at their chosen sport. Once they retire from their profession, some continue to grow their popularity through other ventures.
Many athletes turn to acting, whether through television advertisements and commercials like Coach Prime, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Eli Manning, and Kevin Durant.
Other athletes like Travis Kelce, Pat McAfee, Deion Sanders (Prime), and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. do podcasts to attract a following.
Some celebrities do one-shot cameos, like Michael Jordan and LeBron James in Space Jam, Uncle Drew starring NBA star Kyrie Irving, Airplane! with Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and Blue Chips...
- 5/28/2024
- by Sara Trimble
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: Following his massive victory against Tyson Fury to become the newly crowned Undisputed World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Oleksandr Usyk has found his next opponent on the big screen as he is set to join the cast of A24’s The Smashing Machine as Mma legend Igor Vovchanchyn. The film stars Dwayne Johnson and Academy Award-nominated Emily Blunt.
The pic is written and directed by Benny Safdie and produced and financed by A24. The film is based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in A24’s ‘The Smashing Machine’
The news comes after Johnson revealed the first image from the film which features an unrecognizable Johnson in the corner of the ring getting ready for a match. The...
The pic is written and directed by Benny Safdie and produced and financed by A24. The film is based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in A24’s ‘The Smashing Machine’
The news comes after Johnson revealed the first image from the film which features an unrecognizable Johnson in the corner of the ring getting ready for a match. The...
- 5/24/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Una película de Benny Safdie para A24. © A24
A24 ha publicado el primer vistazo a la esperada película “The Smashing Machine”, dirigida por Benny Safdie en su debut como director en solitario. La película está protagonizada por Dwayne Johnson ‘La Roca’ (“Jumanji: Bienvenidos a la Jungla”) que está casi irreconocible en esta primera imagen de la película.
En “The Smashing Machine”, actualmente en rodaje, Johnson interpreta a Mark Kerr, el legendario luchador de Mma de la era de la UFC apodado “The Smashing Machine” por su estilo agresivo y dominante en el ring. Kerr se convirtió en un icono del deporte durante los años 90 y principios de los 2000. Sin embargo, su vida fuera del octágono estuvo marcada por una lucha constante con la adicción a los analgésicos y otros problemas personales.
En el reparto también figura Emily Blunt, que interpretará a Dawn Staples, la que fuera esposa de Kerr.
© A24
¡SÍGUENOS!
A24 ha publicado el primer vistazo a la esperada película “The Smashing Machine”, dirigida por Benny Safdie en su debut como director en solitario. La película está protagonizada por Dwayne Johnson ‘La Roca’ (“Jumanji: Bienvenidos a la Jungla”) que está casi irreconocible en esta primera imagen de la película.
En “The Smashing Machine”, actualmente en rodaje, Johnson interpreta a Mark Kerr, el legendario luchador de Mma de la era de la UFC apodado “The Smashing Machine” por su estilo agresivo y dominante en el ring. Kerr se convirtió en un icono del deporte durante los años 90 y principios de los 2000. Sin embargo, su vida fuera del octágono estuvo marcada por una lucha constante con la adicción a los analgésicos y otros problemas personales.
En el reparto también figura Emily Blunt, que interpretará a Dawn Staples, la que fuera esposa de Kerr.
© A24
¡SÍGUENOS!
- 5/23/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
We're more used to seeing Benny Safdie working behind the camera with brother Josh, but for his first solo film, he's certainly striking out with a fascinating subject. He has Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt (sound the Jungle Cruise reunion klaxon!) starring in The Smashing Machine, about mixed martial arts scrapper Mark Kerr. Studio A24 has released a first look at The Rock in the lead role, which you can find in full below…
Kerr was a two time Ultimate Fighting Championship Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Over the course of his career, he won over two dozen Mma titles, while also struggling with addiction and his marriage even as he became an icon of the sport.
Johnson and Safdie originally discussed the film back in 2019, but it was put on hold when the pandemic hit. The pair didn't really stay in touch, but the...
Kerr was a two time Ultimate Fighting Championship Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Over the course of his career, he won over two dozen Mma titles, while also struggling with addiction and his marriage even as he became an icon of the sport.
Johnson and Safdie originally discussed the film back in 2019, but it was put on hold when the pandemic hit. The pair didn't really stay in touch, but the...
- 5/22/2024
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
At 52 years of age, Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, boasts of a mega-successful career spanning wrestling, acting, and various businesses. Starting off his acting career in 2001 with The Mummy Returns, the actor has ever since starred as the lead in various franchises and become the face of the action-combat genre. Additionally, among the many actors who have made such a transition from the WWE rings to the acting scene like Dave Bautista and John Cena, the Black Adam actor still commands a broader range.
Dwayne Johnson in a still from Fast Five | Universal Pictures
In the latest leap, he intends to move much ahead in terms of acting prowess. Signed on to a biographical drama on the life of martial artist Mark Kerr, The Smashing Machine, the star just made a gargantuan move in transforming himself for a role, as evident from the just-released first looks. However, his intentions lie even bigger.
Dwayne Johnson in a still from Fast Five | Universal Pictures
In the latest leap, he intends to move much ahead in terms of acting prowess. Signed on to a biographical drama on the life of martial artist Mark Kerr, The Smashing Machine, the star just made a gargantuan move in transforming himself for a role, as evident from the just-released first looks. However, his intentions lie even bigger.
- 5/22/2024
- by Imteshal Karim
- FandomWire
In just a few months, we will finally get to see Hugh Jackman return to Wolverine, something which he left behind years ago. The actor had no intention to come back to the character that he has been playing for about two decades but when something snapped in him, he decided to join the bandwagon that Ryan Reynolds was on and give Wolverine a second chance.
A still from Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) | Marvel Studios
Needless to say, Deadpool & Wolverine is one of the most anticipated movies of this year, if not the most. However, amidst the hype for the film which brings both Deadpool and Wolverine into the MCU officially, lies yet another Hugh Jackman film that should be recognized. The film in question is A24’s upcoming masterpiece, The Death of Robin Hood which follows a similar theme to that of Logan (2017).
Hugh Jackman Stars in A24’s...
A still from Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) | Marvel Studios
Needless to say, Deadpool & Wolverine is one of the most anticipated movies of this year, if not the most. However, amidst the hype for the film which brings both Deadpool and Wolverine into the MCU officially, lies yet another Hugh Jackman film that should be recognized. The film in question is A24’s upcoming masterpiece, The Death of Robin Hood which follows a similar theme to that of Logan (2017).
Hugh Jackman Stars in A24’s...
- 5/22/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
As A24 releases the first official image from the film, the movie star seems to be fully committing to this new direction of dramatic roles.
When news first emerged that Dwayne Johnson, movie star extraordinaire was signing up for an indie drama for A24, it was quite the revelation. Johnson has built a career which in the last decade has largely been founded upon his brand with each successive film simply being an extension of his movie star persona.
However, a few months ago a sudden career swerve was announced. Johnson was named as the lead in A24’s Mma indie drama, The Smashing Machine, a film about the successes and tragedies of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts champion who certainly did not live the ultra-squeaky clean life that we’ve come to expect from most of Johnson’s characters.
As well as hailing from A24, a (mostly) arthouse studio,...
When news first emerged that Dwayne Johnson, movie star extraordinaire was signing up for an indie drama for A24, it was quite the revelation. Johnson has built a career which in the last decade has largely been founded upon his brand with each successive film simply being an extension of his movie star persona.
However, a few months ago a sudden career swerve was announced. Johnson was named as the lead in A24’s Mma indie drama, The Smashing Machine, a film about the successes and tragedies of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts champion who certainly did not live the ultra-squeaky clean life that we’ve come to expect from most of Johnson’s characters.
As well as hailing from A24, a (mostly) arthouse studio,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Like many ageing action stars before him, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has come to a point in his career where he has to make a decision.
He either continues starring in increasingly unsuccessful action flicks (even some of the genre's biggest icons found themselves relegated to direct-to-dvd fare later in their careers) or reinvents himself. After a few failed endeavours - including an attempted Dceu takeover with 2022's Black Adam - Johnson has gone with the latter option.
That's so far included a WWE return, a public reconciliation with Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel, and signing up to star in A24 drama The Smashing Machine.
Directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring his Jungle Cruise screen partner Emily Blunt, the movie marks a major departure for Johnson and should be a far more serious role which, if things go to plan, could see him vying for awards next year.
As...
He either continues starring in increasingly unsuccessful action flicks (even some of the genre's biggest icons found themselves relegated to direct-to-dvd fare later in their careers) or reinvents himself. After a few failed endeavours - including an attempted Dceu takeover with 2022's Black Adam - Johnson has gone with the latter option.
That's so far included a WWE return, a public reconciliation with Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel, and signing up to star in A24 drama The Smashing Machine.
Directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring his Jungle Cruise screen partner Emily Blunt, the movie marks a major departure for Johnson and should be a far more serious role which, if things go to plan, could see him vying for awards next year.
As...
- 5/21/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Whenever one hears Dwayne Johnson’s name, there are a lot of things that come to mind. Smashing villains left, right and center, taking on the unthinkable, and, occasionally, providing comic relief to a story. What you don’t associate him with are roles that receive critical acclaim, a performance that makes the critics sit up and take notice. But The Rock is looking to remedy that with his next movie, The Smashing Machine.
The first look of The Smashing Machine has fans excited
The Smashing Machine is currently in production | Credit: A24 Twitter
The first look of director Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine has just dropped. And fans are finding it hard to come to grips with the massive transformation undergone by the 52-year-old for playing celebrated Mma fighter Mark Kerr. Many couldn’t even recognize him after taking a peek.
Suggested‘The Smashing Machine’: Dwayne Johnson...
The first look of The Smashing Machine has fans excited
The Smashing Machine is currently in production | Credit: A24 Twitter
The first look of director Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine has just dropped. And fans are finding it hard to come to grips with the massive transformation undergone by the 52-year-old for playing celebrated Mma fighter Mark Kerr. Many couldn’t even recognize him after taking a peek.
Suggested‘The Smashing Machine’: Dwayne Johnson...
- 5/21/2024
- by Smriti Sneh
- FandomWire
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is doing something different for “The Smashing Machine.” The mixed martial arts biopic is the first film that could get the blockbuster action star some awards attention. And a first-look photo from the film reveals that Johnson looks different than usual.
Studio A24 released the photo on X. It shows Johnson in character as Mark Kerr, a wrestler and Mma fighter. Johnson appears to have some facial prosthetics, his characteristic tattoos are covered up, and his usually bald head sports a wig. He looks a lot like he did when he emerged as a pro wrestling star in the late ‘90s.
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
“The Smashing Machine” is in production now. It follows the life and career of Kerr, a champion in the brutal sport of Brazilian...
Studio A24 released the photo on X. It shows Johnson in character as Mark Kerr, a wrestler and Mma fighter. Johnson appears to have some facial prosthetics, his characteristic tattoos are covered up, and his usually bald head sports a wig. He looks a lot like he did when he emerged as a pro wrestling star in the late ‘90s.
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
“The Smashing Machine” is in production now. It follows the life and career of Kerr, a champion in the brutal sport of Brazilian...
- 5/21/2024
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
The first look at Dwayne Johnson in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine has got fans feeling hopeful that The Rock will finally get his shot at starring in a critically acclaimed film and even winning an award for it.
Dwayne Johnson in The Smashing Machine / A24
The actor looks almost unrecognizable after he was transformed into the legendary Mma fighter, Mark Kerr. Johnson also addressed his temporary shift to more serious projects in his career.
Dwayne Johnson On Working With Benny Safdie In The Smashing Machine
During an interview with Variety, wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson clarified that he is not abandoning blockbuster movies just because he accepted a smaller project.
I want to be clear not to say that this is an abandonment of big, four-quadrant movies. I love making them, and there is tremendous value and importance in [them]. But there’s a time and a place for them.
Dwayne...
Dwayne Johnson in The Smashing Machine / A24
The actor looks almost unrecognizable after he was transformed into the legendary Mma fighter, Mark Kerr. Johnson also addressed his temporary shift to more serious projects in his career.
Dwayne Johnson On Working With Benny Safdie In The Smashing Machine
During an interview with Variety, wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson clarified that he is not abandoning blockbuster movies just because he accepted a smaller project.
I want to be clear not to say that this is an abandonment of big, four-quadrant movies. I love making them, and there is tremendous value and importance in [them]. But there’s a time and a place for them.
Dwayne...
- 5/21/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Prepare for a double-take because Dwayne Johnson looks different without his signature bald head in a first-look image for A24‘s The Smashing Machine. Johnson plays Mma icon Mark Kerr in the upcoming drama from Benny Safdie, and today, he’s getting in the ring for what could be his most challenging role. In The Smashing Machine’s first-look image, Johnson’s Mark Kerr takes a seat to recuperate during a heated match. As a ring girl previews the fight’s next round, Kerr’s coach tells the fighter to breathe as a coach barks encouraging words.
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
Mark Kerr is a former American wrestler and mixed martial artist. As a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion,...
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
Mark Kerr is a former American wrestler and mixed martial artist. As a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Dwayne Johnson is reminding fans of his original “The Rock” title for his indie moment in “The Smashing Machine.”
Johnson stars as Mma legend Mark Kerr, who infamously struggled with an addiction to painkillers. Benny Safdie marks his solo directorial debut with the A24 feature. Safdie penned the script based on Kerr’s real-life story and rise in the UFC. Per the initial A24 announcement, Johnson’s most dramatic project yet follows Mma fighter Kerr’s career peak during the “no-holds-barred era of the UFC” in 2000. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion.
Kerr was previously the subject of the 2002 documentary also titled “The Smashing Machine,” which detailed his Mma career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC, and Pride.
Johnson and Safdie have been collaborators on the project since Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights in 2019. A24 later joined as a partner in 2023. Johnson and Dany Garcia...
Johnson stars as Mma legend Mark Kerr, who infamously struggled with an addiction to painkillers. Benny Safdie marks his solo directorial debut with the A24 feature. Safdie penned the script based on Kerr’s real-life story and rise in the UFC. Per the initial A24 announcement, Johnson’s most dramatic project yet follows Mma fighter Kerr’s career peak during the “no-holds-barred era of the UFC” in 2000. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion.
Kerr was previously the subject of the 2002 documentary also titled “The Smashing Machine,” which detailed his Mma career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC, and Pride.
Johnson and Safdie have been collaborators on the project since Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights in 2019. A24 later joined as a partner in 2023. Johnson and Dany Garcia...
- 5/21/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Dwayne Johnson is almost unrecognizable as Mma legend Mark Kerr in a first look at A24’s The Smashing Machine.
A24 posted the teaser for Benny Safdie’s feature on social media after Johnson flew into Cannes last week to meet with buyers about the UFC story.
In the still, The Rock is shorn of his trademark tattoos and has been furnished with a thick head of hair as he sits in the corner of a ring.
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
In The Smashing Machine, Johnson plays Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of UFC. The pic will follow Kerr’s struggle with addiction, winning, love, and friendship in the year 2000.
Emily Blunt co-stars and can be seen at the bottom right of the first-look image. She plays Dawn Staples,...
A24 posted the teaser for Benny Safdie’s feature on social media after Johnson flew into Cannes last week to meet with buyers about the UFC story.
In the still, The Rock is shorn of his trademark tattoos and has been furnished with a thick head of hair as he sits in the corner of a ring.
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
In The Smashing Machine, Johnson plays Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of UFC. The pic will follow Kerr’s struggle with addiction, winning, love, and friendship in the year 2000.
Emily Blunt co-stars and can be seen at the bottom right of the first-look image. She plays Dawn Staples,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Despite what headlines say, not every movie transformation leaves actors looking "unrecognizable," but we promise when it comes to describing Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in A24's first look at "The Smashing Machine," this isn't hyperbole. The wrestler turned actor whose on-screen career has so far been composed largely of broad, action-packed blockbusters is doing something different with the upcoming indie film, and he has a decidedly different look to go with it.
The look is so different, in fact, that when I first saw the still A24 posted to X (formerly Twitter) today with the caption "First look at Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt," I found myself looking to each side of the mixed martial arts fighter in the center of the shot, assuming Johnson was actually somewhere in the background. The actor's muscled physique is on display here, but he's also got...
The look is so different, in fact, that when I first saw the still A24 posted to X (formerly Twitter) today with the caption "First look at Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt," I found myself looking to each side of the mixed martial arts fighter in the center of the shot, assuming Johnson was actually somewhere in the background. The actor's muscled physique is on display here, but he's also got...
- 5/21/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Do you smell what The Rock is cooking? For the last decade-plus (at least post-Pain & Gain), Dwayne Johnson has been serving up four-quadrant blockbuster slop. Thankfully, he seems to be turning a new direction for The Smashing Machine, which marks the solo directorial feature debut for Benny Safdie after parting ways with his brother Josh Safdie, who’ll be going on to make his forthcoming Adam Sandler-led movie about the baseball trading card industry.
As for The Smashing Machine, with A24 kicking off production recently the first image has now dropped. The film, which marks a Jungle Cruise reunion for Johnson and Emily Blunt, captures the story of legendary Mma fighter Mark Kerr, who was afflicted with addiction and a rocky marriage with Dawn Staples (Blunt).
“Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are...
As for The Smashing Machine, with A24 kicking off production recently the first image has now dropped. The film, which marks a Jungle Cruise reunion for Johnson and Emily Blunt, captures the story of legendary Mma fighter Mark Kerr, who was afflicted with addiction and a rocky marriage with Dawn Staples (Blunt).
“Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are...
- 5/21/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Dwayne Johnson is nearly unrecognizable in the first look at his upcoming A24 drama “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring his “Jungle Cruise” screen partner Emily Blunt. The film casts Johnson as legendary Mma fighter Mark Kerr, who struggled with addiction and his marriage while becoming an icon of the sport. Blunt is starring as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. The film is currently in production.
While Johnson looks typically ripped as Kerr in “The Smashing Machine” first look, he also appears to be sporting some facial prosthetics to help him transform into the Mma legend. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Over the course of his career, he won over two dozen Mma titles.
“The Smashing Machine” marks the solo feature directorial debut of Safdie, who collaborated with his brother Josh on A24’s indie hits such...
While Johnson looks typically ripped as Kerr in “The Smashing Machine” first look, he also appears to be sporting some facial prosthetics to help him transform into the Mma legend. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Over the course of his career, he won over two dozen Mma titles.
“The Smashing Machine” marks the solo feature directorial debut of Safdie, who collaborated with his brother Josh on A24’s indie hits such...
- 5/21/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Dwayne Johnson is hitting his mobile gym harder than ever as he trains to play Mma pioneer and UFC champ Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s upcoming film for A24, The Smashing Machine. The Hollywood heavyweight sweats more than Luke Hobbs in the Fast and Furious franchise in a new video posted to social media, in which Johnson details his intense regimen for the upcoming role. I’m exhausted from watching the video, and I can’t imagine how Johnson feels after hitting the iron enough to transform himself into a puddle of perspiration and charisma.
In the video, Johnson says this is his second training camp after a 12-week training for Wrestlemania. He took ten days off before jumping back into the gym to get swole and familiarize himself with a new fighting form. Combat sports and Mma are new for Johnson, who says he’s living in a...
In the video, Johnson says this is his second training camp after a 12-week training for Wrestlemania. He took ten days off before jumping back into the gym to get swole and familiarize himself with a new fighting form. Combat sports and Mma are new for Johnson, who says he’s living in a...
- 5/7/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Dwayne Johnson is scheduled to descend on the Croisette for a buyers presentation to promote A24’s The Smashing Machine that Screen understands will take place on Tuesday (May 14).
The studio is producing and financing Benny Safdie’s biopic of the turbulent life of Mma fighter Mark Kerr and has high hopes for the project that sees it reunite with its Uncut Gems co-director.
Johnson’s appearance on the Croisette recalls pre-Covid years when A-listers frequently attended Cannes to meet buyers.
The Smashing Machine marks a step up in terms of scale for A24. Furthermore, industry sources regard it as...
The studio is producing and financing Benny Safdie’s biopic of the turbulent life of Mma fighter Mark Kerr and has high hopes for the project that sees it reunite with its Uncut Gems co-director.
Johnson’s appearance on the Croisette recalls pre-Covid years when A-listers frequently attended Cannes to meet buyers.
The Smashing Machine marks a step up in terms of scale for A24. Furthermore, industry sources regard it as...
- 5/7/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: We understand Dwayne Johnson is due to be at the Cannes market next week to discuss upcoming A24 wrestling pic The Smashing Machine with potential buyers.
Of course, schedules can always change, but the plan at the moment is for The Rock to rock the Cannes market middle of next week.
In the past 24 hours, the actor has posted a couple of videos of his training schedule ahead of the role.
Thanks for all the great questions.
Here’s a sense of my training schedule during my training camp for “The Smashing Machine”
Thanks for all the support- means a lot to me.
Back to work.
Have a productive week.
Of course, schedules can always change, but the plan at the moment is for The Rock to rock the Cannes market middle of next week.
In the past 24 hours, the actor has posted a couple of videos of his training schedule ahead of the role.
Thanks for all the great questions.
Here’s a sense of my training schedule during my training camp for “The Smashing Machine”
Thanks for all the support- means a lot to me.
Back to work.
Have a productive week.
- 5/7/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Dwayne Johnson has officially begun his transformation into two-time UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr for the upcoming film The Smashing Machine. Johnson posted a video to his Instagram announcing how he has been working hard at the Mma training camp for his role. The film is written and directed by Uncut Gems fame Benny Safdie in a solo venture for A24. Besides his own fans, UFC pros have also come up with encouraging comments under his training video.
Dwayne Johnson begins training for his role as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine | Black Adam (Warner Bros.)
Kerr was popular among the fans during the no-holds barred era of UFC, and he won several titles besides the UFC championship. Kerr was the winner of the World Vale Tudo Championship, Pride Fc Heavyweight Championship, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Championship, and 1994 National Freestyle Championship.
Dwayne Johnson’s Training For New Role Gets Positive Comments...
Dwayne Johnson begins training for his role as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine | Black Adam (Warner Bros.)
Kerr was popular among the fans during the no-holds barred era of UFC, and he won several titles besides the UFC championship. Kerr was the winner of the World Vale Tudo Championship, Pride Fc Heavyweight Championship, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Championship, and 1994 National Freestyle Championship.
Dwayne Johnson’s Training For New Role Gets Positive Comments...
- 5/6/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Emily Blunt finds it “effortlessly fun” working with Ryan Gosling.The 41-year-old actress got “very lucky” when she was cast alongside the ‘Barbie’ actor in their new movie ‘The Fall Guy’ because he was so easy to work with.She told Britain’s Hello! magazine: “Ryan’s the best. He’s a delight. It’s effortlessly fun working with him.“I got very lucky. I had the best sparring partner ever.“He’s a creative whirlwind and the sweetest and easiest to be around.“It was just like Neverland – it was heaven.”Emily also praised the “incredible work” of the stunt performers on the film.She said: “They risk life and limb to give people that crackling sense of wonder you feel in movies and it’s time they got their outing.”While the British star was happy to get involved in the fight scene, she’s been put off...
- 5/6/2024
- by Viki Waters
- Bang Showbiz
In a damning and somewhat bizarre new report published by The Wrap, a string of allegations are made about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's supposed lack of professionalism on the set of Prime Video's Red One (we'll get to those).
However, the trade has also spoken to at least four insiders with knowledge of a 2022 meeting which saw Johnson and producer Dany Garcia meet with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. The conversation was about bringing Henry Cavill back as Superman in Black Adam...and Seven Bucks Productions running DC in place of the DC Films boss Walter Hamada.
An individual close to Seven Bucks claims the meeting was only about Black Adam and meant to serve as a general introduction to Zaslav. Either way, Johnson and Seven Bucks were ousted from the Dceu when James Gunn and Peter Safran took charge of DC Studios.
Cavill is also said to have...
However, the trade has also spoken to at least four insiders with knowledge of a 2022 meeting which saw Johnson and producer Dany Garcia meet with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. The conversation was about bringing Henry Cavill back as Superman in Black Adam...and Seven Bucks Productions running DC in place of the DC Films boss Walter Hamada.
An individual close to Seven Bucks claims the meeting was only about Black Adam and meant to serve as a general introduction to Zaslav. Either way, Johnson and Seven Bucks were ousted from the Dceu when James Gunn and Peter Safran took charge of DC Studios.
Cavill is also said to have...
- 4/30/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Exclusive: Here’s a hot one. Following their collaboration on hit horror Talk To Me, A24 and filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou are re-teaming on original horror movie Bring Her Back, we can reveal.
The team have set two-time Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (The Shape Of Water) to star in the movie, which is due to begin production this summer.
Plot details re being kept under wraps on the secretive project, which is being produced by Talk To Me duo Samantha Jennings and Kristina Ceyton from Causeway Films, whose credits also include The Babadook and The Nightingale.
Last summer, Talk to Me became A24’s highest-grossing horror film domestically. The Philippous’ are also developing the sequel for the studio and a documentary project inspired by their own journey into the world of international underground deathmatch wrestling.
Brit actress Hawkins has only appeared in one horror movie before back in 2007 but...
The team have set two-time Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (The Shape Of Water) to star in the movie, which is due to begin production this summer.
Plot details re being kept under wraps on the secretive project, which is being produced by Talk To Me duo Samantha Jennings and Kristina Ceyton from Causeway Films, whose credits also include The Babadook and The Nightingale.
Last summer, Talk to Me became A24’s highest-grossing horror film domestically. The Philippous’ are also developing the sequel for the studio and a documentary project inspired by their own journey into the world of international underground deathmatch wrestling.
Brit actress Hawkins has only appeared in one horror movie before back in 2007 but...
- 4/30/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Dwayne Johnson is now one of the most popular and well-known celebrities around the world. Through his impeccable balance of maintaining a successful Hollywood career and his stint in WWE, he has amassed a great deal of fortune and fame. From a very rough early years to what he has become now, it is a very inspiring journey, to say the least.
Dwayne Johnson in Black Adam
Outside of his professional ventures, Johnson is also a savvy entrepreneur and has made generous donations to many charitable causes over the years. The actor also helps out people in need personally in whatever way he can. His latest video is a poignant showcase of the large-heartedness of Johnson and how he fulfills other’s dreams.
Dwayne Johnson Reveals His Unfulfilled Dream As He Changes A Family’s Lives Dwayne Johnson and his father Rocky Johnson at WrestleMania 13
Outside of his macho movie...
Dwayne Johnson in Black Adam
Outside of his professional ventures, Johnson is also a savvy entrepreneur and has made generous donations to many charitable causes over the years. The actor also helps out people in need personally in whatever way he can. His latest video is a poignant showcase of the large-heartedness of Johnson and how he fulfills other’s dreams.
Dwayne Johnson Reveals His Unfulfilled Dream As He Changes A Family’s Lives Dwayne Johnson and his father Rocky Johnson at WrestleMania 13
Outside of his macho movie...
- 4/25/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Dwayne Johnson is known to give his all, no matter what project he undertakes. Whether it is wrestling or acting, the Rock always makes sure to deliver his best, even when many don’t like his best (Black Adam!?). After showing who is the Final Boss inside the squared circle, the actor is gearing up for another fight inside the ring.
Dwayne Johnson in ring at WrestleMania Xl
Yet this time it won’t be WrestleMania or SmackDown but the world of reel that would feature the actor showing his impeccable wrestling moves. Starring as the legendary Mma fighter, Mark Kerr, Johnson is all geared up to shoot the upcoming movie, The Smashing Machine.
Dwayne Johnson To Play a Mma Fighter in His Next Hollywood Flick
Mma Legend Mark Kerr in a still from The Smashing Machine documentary
Dwayne Johnson has taken several roles in his amazing career in Hollywood,...
Dwayne Johnson in ring at WrestleMania Xl
Yet this time it won’t be WrestleMania or SmackDown but the world of reel that would feature the actor showing his impeccable wrestling moves. Starring as the legendary Mma fighter, Mark Kerr, Johnson is all geared up to shoot the upcoming movie, The Smashing Machine.
Dwayne Johnson To Play a Mma Fighter in His Next Hollywood Flick
Mma Legend Mark Kerr in a still from The Smashing Machine documentary
Dwayne Johnson has taken several roles in his amazing career in Hollywood,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Dwayne Johnson successfully balanced his professional wrestling career and became a big movie star at the same time. Johnson recently made a big mark with his heel turn leading up to WrestleMania Xl and was a big draw for audiences on both nights. Johnson is focusing on his next big project with the event now over.
Following the end of WrestleMania Xl, Dwayne Johnson is now focusing on The Smashing Machine
A while ago, it was announced that Johnson will star as Mma fighter Mark Kerr in the sports biopic The Smashing Machine. The actor is set to begin extensive training for the film as he switches from being a professional welter to an Mma cage. Johnson took to X to inform fans about the start of his training to fans and how he is committed to making Mma fans and Kerr proud of the film.
Dwayne Johnson Starts His...
Following the end of WrestleMania Xl, Dwayne Johnson is now focusing on The Smashing Machine
A while ago, it was announced that Johnson will star as Mma fighter Mark Kerr in the sports biopic The Smashing Machine. The actor is set to begin extensive training for the film as he switches from being a professional welter to an Mma cage. Johnson took to X to inform fans about the start of his training to fans and how he is committed to making Mma fans and Kerr proud of the film.
Dwayne Johnson Starts His...
- 4/22/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock’s heel turn leading up to WrestleMania Xl was one of the main draws for audiences. Johnson deliberately elevated his performance and turned it up to 11, wreaking havoc on Cody Rhodes and his dreams of finishing his story. While he and Roman Reigns won Night 1, it was a completely different result on Night 2.
Before the Undertaker, The Rock faced off against John Cena at WrestleMania Xl
Despite Night 2’s match being held under Bloodline rules, and various members including Johnson creating roadblocks for Rhodes, the American Nightmare emerged victorious at the end. Many superstars came to aid Rhodes, including The Undertaker, who chokeslammed the Rock. It seems the Final Boss is not done with the Deadman yet, as he seeks revenge for his actions.
The Rock Calls Out The Undertaker After Humiliating Him at WrestleMania Xl
The Undertaker surprised The Rock at WrestleMania Xl
There...
Before the Undertaker, The Rock faced off against John Cena at WrestleMania Xl
Despite Night 2’s match being held under Bloodline rules, and various members including Johnson creating roadblocks for Rhodes, the American Nightmare emerged victorious at the end. Many superstars came to aid Rhodes, including The Undertaker, who chokeslammed the Rock. It seems the Final Boss is not done with the Deadman yet, as he seeks revenge for his actions.
The Rock Calls Out The Undertaker After Humiliating Him at WrestleMania Xl
The Undertaker surprised The Rock at WrestleMania Xl
There...
- 4/17/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
There is a very good reason why Dwayne Johnson, popularly known across the globe as The Rock, is one of the biggest and most commercially successful film stars in the world today. This mostly stems from most of his films targeted at the masses who just want a fun film to experience.
Therefore, he has naturally been sticking to entertaining the people as much as he can, which means almost no critically engaging performances or films that he’s been a part of.
Dwayne Johnson | Credits: Wikimedia Commons
But it seems like that might be changing soon in the future as the star prepares himself to dedicate his time and effort towards a passion project of his, titled The Smashing Machine with none other than A24. Since this production company is known to invest in and create critical masterpieces, The Rock could be looking at changing into new lanes in his career.
Therefore, he has naturally been sticking to entertaining the people as much as he can, which means almost no critically engaging performances or films that he’s been a part of.
Dwayne Johnson | Credits: Wikimedia Commons
But it seems like that might be changing soon in the future as the star prepares himself to dedicate his time and effort towards a passion project of his, titled The Smashing Machine with none other than A24. Since this production company is known to invest in and create critical masterpieces, The Rock could be looking at changing into new lanes in his career.
- 4/16/2024
- by Deepak Bisht
- FandomWire
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s remarkable business acumen has significantly enhanced his brand value, notably through his highly successful Teremana Tequila venture. His prowess in the business world is evident, as his tequila enterprise has elevated his wealth to the extent that he really does not need to depend on WWE to fill his pockets.
The Rock and John Cena, source: WWE
The Rock’s tequila company, launched in March 2021 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, has swiftly gained popularity and is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after celebrity spirits in the market right now.
The Rock’s Stake In Teremana Tequila Will Likely Ensure He Never Needs WWE The Rock, source: WWE
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is poised to become a potential billionaire in the alcohol industry, largely due to the remarkable success of his Teremana Tequila brand, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. Launched in March 2020, Teremana has achieved rapid growth,...
The Rock and John Cena, source: WWE
The Rock’s tequila company, launched in March 2021 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, has swiftly gained popularity and is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after celebrity spirits in the market right now.
The Rock’s Stake In Teremana Tequila Will Likely Ensure He Never Needs WWE The Rock, source: WWE
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is poised to become a potential billionaire in the alcohol industry, largely due to the remarkable success of his Teremana Tequila brand, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. Launched in March 2020, Teremana has achieved rapid growth,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
Dwayne Johnson’s stint at WrestleMania 40 might be over, but he is far from done. Cody Rhodes is the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion after dethroning Roman Reigns, but The Rock is not quite ready to draw the curtains on their rivalry.
The former WWE champion lit up the arena with his presence in the ring on Saturday night. However, the story of the Bloodline ended differently, even as the stakes were against Rhodes. As momentous as the occasion was, Johnson also sounded a warning to the new champion.
Johnson is not done with Rhodes (Source: WWE) Dwayne Johnson fires off a warning at Cody Rhodes after winning WrestleMania
Cody Rhodes took on Roman Reigns for the championship on April 7th, in front of a packed house at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He avenged last year’s loss to the Tribal Chief, and in the process, Rhodes...
The former WWE champion lit up the arena with his presence in the ring on Saturday night. However, the story of the Bloodline ended differently, even as the stakes were against Rhodes. As momentous as the occasion was, Johnson also sounded a warning to the new champion.
Johnson is not done with Rhodes (Source: WWE) Dwayne Johnson fires off a warning at Cody Rhodes after winning WrestleMania
Cody Rhodes took on Roman Reigns for the championship on April 7th, in front of a packed house at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He avenged last year’s loss to the Tribal Chief, and in the process, Rhodes...
- 4/9/2024
- by Sreshtha Roychowdhury
- FandomWire
Following his appearance on the February 2nd episode of Friday Night SmackDown, The Rock made a much-anticipated comeback to WWE programming, making it clear that he would be a regular on WWE television in the lead-up to WrestleMania 40.
Engaged in an escalating feud with Cody Rhodes, it became evident that The Great One would have a significant impact on WWE storylines. While he is in line for a big match at WrestleMania 40, it’s more than likely fans won’t get to see The Rock after WrestleMania 40.
The Bloodline, source: WWE
Cody Rhodes will still get to face Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 40, but he still has to contend with The Rock before that on Night One of WrestleMania 40, as he and Seth Rollins team up to square off against The Great One and The Tribal Chief.
The Rock Won’t Be Staying Long After WrestleMania 40
The Rock,...
Engaged in an escalating feud with Cody Rhodes, it became evident that The Great One would have a significant impact on WWE storylines. While he is in line for a big match at WrestleMania 40, it’s more than likely fans won’t get to see The Rock after WrestleMania 40.
The Bloodline, source: WWE
Cody Rhodes will still get to face Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 40, but he still has to contend with The Rock before that on Night One of WrestleMania 40, as he and Seth Rollins team up to square off against The Great One and The Tribal Chief.
The Rock Won’t Be Staying Long After WrestleMania 40
The Rock,...
- 4/5/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
Anyone who fell into a boredom-induced coma watching “Black Adam” and woke up on March 15, 2024 would have been in for a shock when they turned on “WWE Friday Night Smackdown.” Dwayne Johnson, dressed in one of the ridiculous Versace shirts that have become his wrestling trademark, opened the show with a raunchy musical number. Accompanied by a two-piece blues band, he launched into a melodic diatribe about everything from ungrateful fans who don’t appreciate him enough to his belief that his latest wrestling rival Cody Rhodes was the result of an unplanned pregnancy — the crowd roared as he hit the line “drugs and cheap condoms are a bad combination!” with a bluesy wail.
The scene was just one of many batshit crazy moments from Johnson’s recent return to wrestling, which has resulted in some of the best creative work of his entire career. After joining the board of...
The scene was just one of many batshit crazy moments from Johnson’s recent return to wrestling, which has resulted in some of the best creative work of his entire career. After joining the board of...
- 4/5/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Dwayne Johnson is now an A-list actor who has immense star power. He has been in some major franchises including Fast and the Furious and Jumanji. Johnson is a big part of the audience’s interest in these franchises and their huge commercial successes. However, Johnson had to work his way up in the industry when she started in the 2000s.
Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs in Fast Five
Johnson had a passion project that he wanted to star in ever since he became an actor. At the time, Johnson did not have the star power and stature big enough to pitch studios to greenlight a film. The actor had to build up his career for 15 years and even turned down a major franchise to bring his passion project to the big screen.
It Took 15 Years For Dwayne Johnson to Star as Hercules
Dwayne Johnson wanted to make and star...
Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs in Fast Five
Johnson had a passion project that he wanted to star in ever since he became an actor. At the time, Johnson did not have the star power and stature big enough to pitch studios to greenlight a film. The actor had to build up his career for 15 years and even turned down a major franchise to bring his passion project to the big screen.
It Took 15 Years For Dwayne Johnson to Star as Hercules
Dwayne Johnson wanted to make and star...
- 3/19/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
When Dwayne Johnson & Emily Blunt Were Warned By Disney Over Their S*x Toy Joke During Jungle Cruise Promotion (Photo Credit – IMDb)
Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt share a fantastic dynamic, and it all began with their film Jungle Cruise. The former WWE champion might reunite again with the Oppenheimer star for the upcoming mixed martial arts movie The Smashing Machine. Dwayne and Emily’s fun banter is often shown in their interviews. At one point, they went a little bit overboard and received a call from Disney asking them to dial it down a bit when their banter began to involve adult toys.
Their film Jungle Cruise came out in 2021, and besides Emily and Dwayne, it also featured Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti in significant roles. The movie was based on Disneyland’s theme park ride, in which a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through...
Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt share a fantastic dynamic, and it all began with their film Jungle Cruise. The former WWE champion might reunite again with the Oppenheimer star for the upcoming mixed martial arts movie The Smashing Machine. Dwayne and Emily’s fun banter is often shown in their interviews. At one point, they went a little bit overboard and received a call from Disney asking them to dial it down a bit when their banter began to involve adult toys.
Their film Jungle Cruise came out in 2021, and besides Emily and Dwayne, it also featured Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti in significant roles. The movie was based on Disneyland’s theme park ride, in which a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through...
- 3/17/2024
- by Esita Mallik
- KoiMoi
Wrestling Star Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, Made His Feature Film Debut With The Film The Mummy Returns In 2001. (Photo Credit –Instagram)
Can you smell what the Rock is cooking? Possibly another major hit. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is among the most globally loved and acclaimed movie stars. Known for his blockbuster box-office success and charming personality, Johnson is a true-blue movie star who might be onto a career-defining role with his next movie, The Smashing Machine, a biopic on the Mma Legend Mark Kerr.
It has been quite a busy year for the Hobbs and Shaw stars. He was starting the year with a monumental return to his origin as a wrestler in the WWE Ring. Johnson returned for his first professional wrestling match after 11 years away from the ring. Wrestling fans around the world have rejoiced because The Rock’s return brought a significant boost to the viewership.
Can you smell what the Rock is cooking? Possibly another major hit. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is among the most globally loved and acclaimed movie stars. Known for his blockbuster box-office success and charming personality, Johnson is a true-blue movie star who might be onto a career-defining role with his next movie, The Smashing Machine, a biopic on the Mma Legend Mark Kerr.
It has been quite a busy year for the Hobbs and Shaw stars. He was starting the year with a monumental return to his origin as a wrestler in the WWE Ring. Johnson returned for his first professional wrestling match after 11 years away from the ring. Wrestling fans around the world have rejoiced because The Rock’s return brought a significant boost to the viewership.
- 3/16/2024
- by Aayushi Hemnani
- KoiMoi
Dwayne Johnson seems to have a lot on his plate at the moment. From being introduced to Tko Group Holdings as a member of the Board of Directors to stepping in the ring as his in-ring persona The Rock and duking it out with other superstars of the WWE. But at the same time, it seems like he’s still focused on his future in the film industry with several projects down the line.
Dwayne Johnson in a still from Monday Night Raw
While his most famous project at the moment might be his upcoming biopic film about former UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Kerr, titled The Smashing Machine, there were also talks about a sequel to his film Jungle Cruise with Disney down the road, which is surprising since his first project was one of the biggest flops of his career.
Dwayne Johnson Is Ready For A Jungle Cruise Sequel...
Dwayne Johnson in a still from Monday Night Raw
While his most famous project at the moment might be his upcoming biopic film about former UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Kerr, titled The Smashing Machine, there were also talks about a sequel to his film Jungle Cruise with Disney down the road, which is surprising since his first project was one of the biggest flops of his career.
Dwayne Johnson Is Ready For A Jungle Cruise Sequel...
- 3/13/2024
- by Deepak Bisht
- FandomWire
Dwayne Johnson got emotional talking about a potential on-screen reunion with Emily Blunt in Benny Safdie’s upcoming mixed martial arts drama, “The Smashing Machine.” Johnson’s comments came while speaking with Variety’s Marc Malkin at the Oscars during Variety On the Carpet presented by Directv.
Blunt has been in talks to join Johnson for what will be Safdie’s solo directorial debut — a biopic about Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr. Blunt has been eyed to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife.
The film would mark an on-screen reunion for Blunt and Johnson, who previously starred together in Disney’s 2021 feature “Jungle Cruise,” an action-comedy about a charismatic riverboat captain (Johnson) and a determined explorer (Blunt) on a journey through the Amazon jungle in search of a mystical tree with healing powers. Talking about “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson said it’d be “different” from the pair’s first venture.
Blunt has been in talks to join Johnson for what will be Safdie’s solo directorial debut — a biopic about Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr. Blunt has been eyed to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife.
The film would mark an on-screen reunion for Blunt and Johnson, who previously starred together in Disney’s 2021 feature “Jungle Cruise,” an action-comedy about a charismatic riverboat captain (Johnson) and a determined explorer (Blunt) on a journey through the Amazon jungle in search of a mystical tree with healing powers. Talking about “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson said it’d be “different” from the pair’s first venture.
- 3/10/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
Emily Blunt has entered into talks to join Dwayne Johnson yet again on the cast of Benny Safdie’s Mma drama ‘The Smashing Machine.’
Blunt is in talks to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. As per the description her character will see her trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world. Johnson will take on the role of Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr. The move marks Johnson’s first dabble at a serious drama.
Also in news – Guy Ritchie set for ‘Ray Donovan’ spin-off series ‘The Donovans’
The feature is based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.
Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions will produce...
Blunt is in talks to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. As per the description her character will see her trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world. Johnson will take on the role of Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr. The move marks Johnson’s first dabble at a serious drama.
Also in news – Guy Ritchie set for ‘Ray Donovan’ spin-off series ‘The Donovans’
The feature is based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.
Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions will produce...
- 3/1/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Actress Emily Blunt is currently in talks to feature in the upcoming film ‘The Smashing Machine’ starring Dwyane Johnson. The Academy Award-nominated actress would essay the role of Dawn Staples, the new wife to legendary Mma fighter Mark Kerr.
The story is about how Dawn struggles to find her place within Champion’s chaotic and contradictory world while trying to set up a life together, as reported by deadline.com.
‘The Smashing Machine’ is a drama based on the story of Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. He struggles with winning, relationships, substance abuse and friendship, set in the year 2000.
Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, 1994 National Freestyle Champion and 4x Adcc World Submission Champion.
The Mma fighter was also a subject of a documentary titled ‘The Smashing Machine...
The story is about how Dawn struggles to find her place within Champion’s chaotic and contradictory world while trying to set up a life together, as reported by deadline.com.
‘The Smashing Machine’ is a drama based on the story of Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. He struggles with winning, relationships, substance abuse and friendship, set in the year 2000.
Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, 1994 National Freestyle Champion and 4x Adcc World Submission Champion.
The Mma fighter was also a subject of a documentary titled ‘The Smashing Machine...
- 3/1/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Negotiations are underway to bring Academy Award-nominated Emily Blunt to the Dwayne Johnson film vehicle The Smashing Machine.
Blunt would play Dawn Staples, the new wife to Mma champion Mark Kerr. While trying to set up a life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world.
The film is a drama based on the story of Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. He struggles with addiction, winning, love, and friendship, set in the year 2000.
During his Mma career, Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, 1994 National Freestyle Champion and 4x Adcc World Submission Champion.
In 2003, Kerr was the subject of an HBO documentary titled The Smashing Machine, which detailed his Mma career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC and Pride.
The film...
Blunt would play Dawn Staples, the new wife to Mma champion Mark Kerr. While trying to set up a life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world.
The film is a drama based on the story of Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. He struggles with addiction, winning, love, and friendship, set in the year 2000.
During his Mma career, Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, 1994 National Freestyle Champion and 4x Adcc World Submission Champion.
In 2003, Kerr was the subject of an HBO documentary titled The Smashing Machine, which detailed his Mma career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC and Pride.
The film...
- 3/1/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson are in conversations to share the screen again.
The actors linked up onscreen for Disney’s 2021 thriller Jungle Cruise. A sequel for the movie is said to be in the works, but details have been scarce.
However, Emily is reportedly in the running to star alongside Dwayne in the actor’s new movie The Smashing Machine.
Read more about the pair’s potential reunion…
The Hollywood Reporter announced that Emily might play Dawn Staples, who is married to UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion Mark Kerr, in the movie. Dwayne will bring Mark to life.
The movie will be written and directed by Benny Safdie, and Dwayne has been involved in the preparations since 2019. He will also sign on as a producer.
We’ll update you as we learn more about the role!
Did you see that Emily recently reunited with two other costars?!
Meanwhile, Dwayne confirmed...
The actors linked up onscreen for Disney’s 2021 thriller Jungle Cruise. A sequel for the movie is said to be in the works, but details have been scarce.
However, Emily is reportedly in the running to star alongside Dwayne in the actor’s new movie The Smashing Machine.
Read more about the pair’s potential reunion…
The Hollywood Reporter announced that Emily might play Dawn Staples, who is married to UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion Mark Kerr, in the movie. Dwayne will bring Mark to life.
The movie will be written and directed by Benny Safdie, and Dwayne has been involved in the preparations since 2019. He will also sign on as a producer.
We’ll update you as we learn more about the role!
Did you see that Emily recently reunited with two other costars?!
Meanwhile, Dwayne confirmed...
- 2/29/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
A “Jungle Cruise” reunion is in the works, and, no, it’s not “Jungle Cruise 2.” Instead, Variety reports that the co-leads of the Disney film may reunite for Benny Safdie‘s Mma biopic “The Smashing Machine,” with Emily Blunt in final talks to join the picture. Dwayne Johnson was already aboard the project, Safdie’s solo directorial debut about Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr.
Continue reading ‘The Smashing Machine’: Emily Blunt In Talks To Join Dwayne Johnson For Benny Safdie’s Mma Biopic at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Smashing Machine’: Emily Blunt In Talks To Join Dwayne Johnson For Benny Safdie’s Mma Biopic at The Playlist.
- 2/29/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Update: Two days ago, watercoolers were abuzz with talk about Emily Blunt starring opposite Dwayne Johnson in A24 and Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine. Today, in the forthcoming film, Emily Blunt is officially in talks to play Dawn Staples, Mark Kerr’s (Johnson) wife. “While trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world,” said an A24 representative.
Emily Blunt and Benny Safdie are old friends after working alongside one another on Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Meanwhile, Blunt and Johnson embarked on an epic adventure in Disney’s Jungle Cruise.
Here’s the official synopsis for The Smashing Machine courtesy of A24:
“The Smashing Machine is a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction,...
Emily Blunt and Benny Safdie are old friends after working alongside one another on Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Meanwhile, Blunt and Johnson embarked on an epic adventure in Disney’s Jungle Cruise.
Here’s the official synopsis for The Smashing Machine courtesy of A24:
“The Smashing Machine is a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction,...
- 2/29/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Emily Blunt is in talks to join Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut “The Smashing Machine,” an A24 feature film starring Dwayne Johnson as Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr, Variety has confirmed. The film will begin production this summer.
Blunt is in talks to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. Per the studio, “While trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world.”
The project would reunite Blunt with both Safdie, with whom she starred in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” and Johnson, her co-star from Disney’s 2021 film “Jungle Cruise.”
The film’s logline reads, “‘The Smashing Machine’ is a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.”
Dwayne...
Blunt is in talks to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. Per the studio, “While trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world.”
The project would reunite Blunt with both Safdie, with whom she starred in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” and Johnson, her co-star from Disney’s 2021 film “Jungle Cruise.”
The film’s logline reads, “‘The Smashing Machine’ is a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.”
Dwayne...
- 2/29/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld and Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Emily Blunt is in talks to star opposite Dwayne Johnson in A24’s The Smashing Machine, which is written and directed by Benny Safdie.
Johnson is set to star in The Smashing Machine as real-life mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. Blunt would star as Dawn Staples, the new wife to Kerr. Safdie has been developing the project with Johnson, who notably started his career as a professional wrestler, since 2019.
A 2002 HBO doc also titled The Smashing Machine detailed Kerr’s professional career and his rise through the fighting world, as well as his battle with an addiction to pain killers that led to an overdose. Kerr earned the nickname “The Smashing Machine” with his no-holds-barred fighting style.
A24 will finance the film, as well as produce alongside Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, Eli Bush and David Koplan.
Johnson is set to star in The Smashing Machine as real-life mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. Blunt would star as Dawn Staples, the new wife to Kerr. Safdie has been developing the project with Johnson, who notably started his career as a professional wrestler, since 2019.
A 2002 HBO doc also titled The Smashing Machine detailed Kerr’s professional career and his rise through the fighting world, as well as his battle with an addiction to pain killers that led to an overdose. Kerr earned the nickname “The Smashing Machine” with his no-holds-barred fighting style.
A24 will finance the film, as well as produce alongside Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, Eli Bush and David Koplan.
- 2/29/2024
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dwayne Johnson’s career in both Hollywood as well as WWE seems to be going as on point as ever, and now he has yet another remarkable movie project on his plate. This one is an A24 biopic project encompassing the life story of the former UFC Champion Mark Kerr and is notably titled The Smashing Machine.
Dwayne Johnson in Red Notice
But what has set another exciting edge to this are the newly fetched reports that Johnson just might finally reunite with Emily Blunt for this film. This makes it even more special, considering how it was indeed Blunt who gave him the much-needed push to go for this movie in the first place — also the reason why fans can’t help but root for this duo.
SUGGESTEDNaruto Live Action Movie Must Cast Dwayne Johnson as Fan-favorite Character
Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine Will Co-Star Emily Blunt?
Emily...
Dwayne Johnson in Red Notice
But what has set another exciting edge to this are the newly fetched reports that Johnson just might finally reunite with Emily Blunt for this film. This makes it even more special, considering how it was indeed Blunt who gave him the much-needed push to go for this movie in the first place — also the reason why fans can’t help but root for this duo.
SUGGESTEDNaruto Live Action Movie Must Cast Dwayne Johnson as Fan-favorite Character
Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine Will Co-Star Emily Blunt?
Emily...
- 2/27/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
A wrestling legend producing a biopic about another wrestling legend? Dwayne Johnson is producing a film about Ric Flair called The Nature Boy.
Professional wrestling is a bit weird. From the overblown pageantry to the predetermined outcomes, it’s certainly unique, especially when you figure in the dark underbelly the strange hybrid of sport and entertainment possesses.
You may have seen in the news of late that Vince McMahon, the longtime billionaire owner of the WWE being the subject of intense media scrutiny having being accused of some particularly abominable behaviour. That may only be the tip of the iceberg, too.
The dark side of wrestling was previously explored in Barry Blaustein’s 1999 documentary, Beyond The Mat. In more recent years though, dramas such as Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler and this year’s The Iron Claw have explored the human cost of wrestling.
As well as being one of...
Professional wrestling is a bit weird. From the overblown pageantry to the predetermined outcomes, it’s certainly unique, especially when you figure in the dark underbelly the strange hybrid of sport and entertainment possesses.
You may have seen in the news of late that Vince McMahon, the longtime billionaire owner of the WWE being the subject of intense media scrutiny having being accused of some particularly abominable behaviour. That may only be the tip of the iceberg, too.
The dark side of wrestling was previously explored in Barry Blaustein’s 1999 documentary, Beyond The Mat. In more recent years though, dramas such as Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler and this year’s The Iron Claw have explored the human cost of wrestling.
As well as being one of...
- 2/26/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Baywatch Actor is the Perfect Choice for Dwayne Johnson’s Ric Flair Movie: “He was one of my heroes”
Actor and professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson announced earlier this week that he would be producing a biopic on one of the greatest wrestlers of all time- Ric Flair. The actor mentioned that Flair was a hero to him while he was an up-and-coming wrestler in the WWE and spoke of the type of heroic image that the Nature Boy had in his golden age.
Johnson also spoke about the personal connection he shared with Flair, as the latter and Johnson’s father Rocky Johnson fought together in the National Wrestling Alliance. While the project is still in its nascent stages, a potential lead for the role could be Dwayne Johnson’s Baywatch co-star Zac Efron The actor has proved that he is perfect for the role as he recently starred in the wrestling film The Iron Claw.
Dwayne Johnson Announced A Biopic On Legendary Wrestler Ric Flair Ric Flair | Credits:...
Johnson also spoke about the personal connection he shared with Flair, as the latter and Johnson’s father Rocky Johnson fought together in the National Wrestling Alliance. While the project is still in its nascent stages, a potential lead for the role could be Dwayne Johnson’s Baywatch co-star Zac Efron The actor has proved that he is perfect for the role as he recently starred in the wrestling film The Iron Claw.
Dwayne Johnson Announced A Biopic On Legendary Wrestler Ric Flair Ric Flair | Credits:...
- 2/25/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Lilly Wachowski is officially making her solo feature directorial debut after sister Lana Wachowski helmed “The Matrix Resurrections.”
As confirmed to Collider, Lilly will direct upcoming queer dramedy “Trash Mountain,” with lead actor Caleb Hearon penning the script. Colin Trevorrow has signed on as a producer, along with Eddie Vaisman and Julia Lebedev at Sight Unseen.
Per the official synopsis, “Trash Mountain” follows a gay Chicago man in his 20s who must return to rural Missouri to deal with the death of his father — an obsessive hoarder who has left a house full of items, some valuable and some not so, to pick through. “Human Resources” writer and “Fargo” actor Hearon cowrote the script with Ruby Caster.
“When my pal Caleb Hearon sent me ‘Trash Mountain,’ I leapt at the chance to direct it,” Lilly said in a statement. “So beautiful and sad and funny! Queer representation and stories are...
As confirmed to Collider, Lilly will direct upcoming queer dramedy “Trash Mountain,” with lead actor Caleb Hearon penning the script. Colin Trevorrow has signed on as a producer, along with Eddie Vaisman and Julia Lebedev at Sight Unseen.
Per the official synopsis, “Trash Mountain” follows a gay Chicago man in his 20s who must return to rural Missouri to deal with the death of his father — an obsessive hoarder who has left a house full of items, some valuable and some not so, to pick through. “Human Resources” writer and “Fargo” actor Hearon cowrote the script with Ruby Caster.
“When my pal Caleb Hearon sent me ‘Trash Mountain,’ I leapt at the chance to direct it,” Lilly said in a statement. “So beautiful and sad and funny! Queer representation and stories are...
- 2/12/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
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