Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson transforms in “The Smashing Machine” trailer, eyes Oscar glory

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is making a major dramatic bid for an Oscar in the upcoming sports drama "The Smashing Machine," according to The Guardian's recent coverage of the film's first trailer release. The Guardian reports that Johnson will portray UFC fighter Mark Kerr in this biopic that explores both his professional achievements and personal struggles with substance abuse. The film reunites Johnson with Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr's girlfriend in the movie, following their previous collaboration in Disney's "Jungle Cruise." 

Behind the camera is Benny Safdie, making his solo directorial debut, having previously gained critical acclaim alongside his brother for crime dramas like "Good Times" and "Uncut Gems." Johnson explained to The Guardian that he's reached a point in his career where he wants to create more meaningful work that explores humanity and pain, though he clarified this doesn't mean abandoning his trademark blockbuster films.

The project has deep roots going back to 2019 when Johnson's production company acquired the rights to Kerr's life story, as Rolling Stone details in their coverage of this career-shifting role. According to Rolling Stone, Johnson specifically sought out Safdie to direct the project, but plans were delayed by the pandemic until Emily Blunt, who had worked with Safdie on "Oppenheimer," helped revive the project. The trailer highlighted by Rolling Stone showcases Kerr's dominance in the UFC ring alongside his painkiller addiction and complicated relationship with girlfriend Dawn Staples, played by Blunt. 

This marks the first film Benny Safdie has directed without his brother Josh, with Rolling Stone noting it's scheduled for theatrical release on Friday, October 3rd. Industry insiders quoted by Rolling Stone suggest this could be the first project in Johnson's extensive career to generate serious Academy Award consideration, representing a significant departure from his typical action roles.

The film represents Johnson's most dramatic on-screen transformation yet, with Variety's coverage emphasizing how unrecognizable the actor appears in the role of the two-time UFC heavyweight champion. Variety reports that A24, known for its critically acclaimed independent films, unveiled the drama's first trailer on Tuesday morning. Beyond Johnson and Blunt, the cast includes real fighters like Bas Rutten and Oleksandr Usyk, according to Variety's detailed breakdown of the production. The source material comes from Kerr's actual career as a mixed martial artist who competed from 1997 to 2009, winning four ADCC World Championships, with his life previously documented in a 2002 HBO film that focused on his substance abuse issues and troubled relationships. 

Variety mentions that Johnson and Blunt's collaboration in "The Smashing Machine" marks their second project together, with the publication noting they're also set to team up with Leonardo DiCaprio in an upcoming Hawaiian crime thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, indicating this dramatic turn may represent a new career direction for Johnson beyond his traditional action blockbusters.