The latest trailer for The Smashing Machine shows a better look at Dwayne Johnson’s intense role. The sports biopic tells the real-life story of MMA and UFC champion Mark Kerr, portrayed by Johnson. The supporting cast includes Emily Blunt, Paul Lazenby, Marcus Aurelio, Whitney Moore, Bas Rutten, and Paul Cheng. It is directed by Benny Safdie, one-half of what was once the directing duo the Safdie Brothers, known for movies like Uncut Gems and Good Time. The Smashing Machine is distributed by A24.

Now, A24 has released the first trailer for The Smashing Machine. Check it out below:

The trailer opens with Mark sitting in a waiting room at a doctor’s office, with punch marks around his eyes. The scene then cuts to the protagonist fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The trailer then shows images from Mark’s life, including his relationship with his partner, Dawn Staples (Blunt), as he gains fame in the UFC universe. Mark experienced multiple challenges, including trying to get money for his work and trying to secure stronger pain medication for his injuries.

What This Trailer Means For The Smashing Machine

Johnson Is Taking On More Drama Than He’s Used To

In addition, The Smashing Machine trailer focuses on the history of the UFC. The text on screen reads “before it was a worldwide phenomenon, there was UFC legend Mark Kerr.” An elderly lady in the doctor’s office waiting room with Mark also mentions the UFC as something that they are “trying to ban.” As such, the rise of the UFC, and the challenges the combat-based group faces in their development will be one big source of conflict in the movie.

The trailer also gives a better look at Johnson in this dramatic role. Typically, his more intense parts are physically demanding, as he has been in numerous action movies throughout his decades-long career. While The Smashing Machine will require physical work, featuring fighting stunts, the trailer clearly shows that the dramatic depths will be just as important, pushing Johnson into new acting terrain. Johnson’s own history as a WWE fighter has been key to helping him dramatize Kerr’s life story in The Smashing Machine. The film also marks a reunion between him and Blunt after previously starring in Disney’s Jungle Cruise.

Our Take On The Smashing Machine

Johnson Is Transformed

Even in this preview, it is clear how immersed Johnson is in the role. The hair and makeup play a big part, as well as whatever physical training the actor did to look the part. Wearing a wig in several sH๏τs, Johnson looks very different from his typical appearance. The physical metamorphosis has been an incredible feat for Johnson, who will now showcase the depth of Mark in The Smashing Machine. This has even raised the possibility of Academy Award consideration, but that will be clear when the movie releases on October 3, 2025.

Source: A24