Who Is Mark Kerr?
Mark Kerr is a former UFC champion and a powerful fighter from Ohio, known not only for his success in the cage but also for his personal struggles with addiction and heartbreak.
About the Film "The Smashing Machine"
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars in The Smashing Machine, a gritty biographical drama directed by Benny Safdie, who is known for Uncut Gems. The film explores Kerr’s turbulent life, highlighting both his triumphs and challenges.
Production and Release
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, earning praise for Johnson’s emotionally raw performance. To authentically portray Kerr, Johnson spent three to four hours daily in makeup, using over a dozen prosthetics.
Many believed ‘The Smashing Machine’ could finally bring Johnson his long-awaited Oscar recognition.
Box Office Performance and Streaming
Despite critical acclaim and Safdie’s authentic approach, The Smashing Machine struggled financially. It debuted in theaters on October 3 but only grossed $20.2 million worldwide against a $40 million budget, according to Koimoi.
By early November, the film had largely disappeared from theaters, leading to an earlier-than-expected digital release.
Current Availability
- The film is available for streaming starting this week.
- Viewers eager to watch Johnson’s transformative role can stream it online.
Summary: Dwayne Johnson’s intense portrayal of UFC star Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine won critical praise but underperformed at the box office, leading to an expedited digital release.