The Smashing Machine (2025)

In the late 1990s, up-and-coming mixed martial artist Mark Kerr aspires to become the greatest fighter in the world. However, he must also battle his opioid dependence and a volatile relationship with his girlfriend Dawn.

Blunt's Recommendation: Emily Blunt played a crucial role in the movie's creation, recommending Benny Safdie as the director, connecting him with Dwayne Johnson, her co-star from Jungle Cruise.
Passion Project: Dwayne Johnson and his business partner Dany Garcia secured the rights to Mark Kerr's story through their production company, Seven Bucks Productions, after Johnson showed a strong personal interest in the project. Johnson has referred to the film as a "passion project".
Atypical Biopic: Early screenings suggest The Smashing Machine deconstructs the traditional biopic format, with some describing it as "gonzo filmmaking" that almost spoofs the genre. Some viewers have noted that Johnson's performance contrasts with the film's style.
Filming Locations: Principal photography took place from May 21 to August 7, 2024, in locations including New Mexico, Tokyo, and Vancouver. Vancouver's MMA gyms were used for training and fight sequences, and Johnson was seen training at Black House gym.
Real Fighters: Alongside actors, the cast includes real-life MMA fighters such as Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten (playing himself), and Oleksandr Usyk. Rutten, a UFC Hall of Famer, coached Kerr after retiring from fighting in the late 1990s.