Who is Mark Kerr?
Dwayne Johnson's film The Smashing Machine depicts the life of former UFC champion Mark Kerr. Kerr, a powerful fighter from Ohio, achieved notable victories in the cage but battled addiction and personal struggles throughout his career.
About the Film
Directed by Benny Safdie, known for Uncut Gems, this gritty biographical drama showcases a deeply emotional and transformative role for Johnson.
"Johnson delivered one of his most emotionally raw performances."
The actor spent three to four hours daily in makeup, wearing over a dozen prosthetics to authentically portray Kerr’s look.
Premiere and Reception
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, receiving praise for its raw authenticity and Johnson’s performance. Fans hoped it would earn him an Oscar nomination.
Box Office and Streaming Release
- Released in theaters on October 3, 2025
- Production budget: $40 million
- Global box office gross: $20.2 million
- Struggled to attract a large audience despite positive reviews
By early November, The Smashing Machine was removed from most theaters and transitioned quickly to digital streaming platforms.
Streaming Availability
The film is now available for streaming, arriving earlier digitally than initially anticipated.
Summary
Mark Kerr’s life story, brought vividly to screen by Johnson and Safdie, highlights triumphs and trials but the film underperformed financially despite critical acclaim.