The highly anticipated trailer for The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, has just been unveiled, showcasing Dwayne Johnson in the role of the former UFC champion Mark Kerr. Fans are taken aback by Johnson’s striking transformation for this role. Produced by A24, the film is set to make its theatrical debut on October 3, 2025, and the excitement surrounding it is palpable.
Excitement Builds as Fans Share Reactions to Dwayne Johnson’s Transformation as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine Trailer
In the newly released trailer for The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson presents a strikingly different appearance, utilizing a wig and prosthetics to authentically portray UFC fighter Mark Kerr. This remarkable transformation has left fans buzzing with excitement and curiosity about how Johnson will embody the complex character of Kerr, who is known for his tumultuous journey in the world of mixed martial arts.
Don’t miss the trailer; watch it below:
The official logline for The Smashing Machine presents an intriguing narrative: “The Smashing Machine is a gripping drama that chronicles the life of Mark Kerr, the iconic MMA fighter from the raw, no-holds-barred era of the UFC. Set against the backdrop of the year 2000, the film explores Kerr’s struggles with addiction, triumphs in the ring, and his quest for love and friendship during the peak of his career.”
Following the trailer’s release, countless fans flocked to social media to express their astonishment and admiration for Dwayne Johnson‘s dramatic transformation into Mark Kerr.
One enthusiastic user remarked that the movie should receive an Oscar nomination for best makeup, stating, “This film getting at least best makeup nomination at the Oscars because that is not Dwayne lmaooo.” This sentiment reflects the overall appreciation for the artistry behind Johnson’s transformation.
Another fan expressed their thoughts, saying, “Dwayne looks a lot like Mark after the makeup and I’m sure he’ll do a great job.” Such reactions highlight the anticipation surrounding Johnson’s performance and the film’s potential impact on audiences.
A user on X, known as @JKLM, praised the film’s makeup artists, commenting, “The makeup artists did a great job because I wouldn’t know that’s the Rock if you didn’t tell me.” This highlights the skill and dedication of the team behind the scenes, contributing to the overall authenticity of the film.
Fans further voiced their admiration in the comments section on YouTube, where the trailer has sparked extensive discussion. One viewer remarked, “It’s a unique compliment for the Rock when no one recognizes him in a film. I’m glad he challenged himself for this role. He is phenomenal in this trailer, and I can’t wait to see it.” Such comments underscore the excitement surrounding Johnson’s new role.
Another viewer contributed, “The prostheses in the nose and brow are so subtle, yet he really does look like another person – and the body transformation, too.” These observations reflect the meticulous attention to detail in Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr.
In addition to Dwayne Johnson, the impressive cast of The Smashing Machine includes talents such as Emily Blunt, Lyndsey Gavin, Oleksandr Usyk, and Bas Rutten, promising a captivating cinematic experience filled with powerful performances.
