Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has another Hollywood role lined up, which is slated to begin filming soon.
The movie
The former WWE Champion is slated to portray an MMA fighter in a drama that will come from A24, the same studio that made “The Iron Claw” film about the rise and fall of the Von Erich family that was released in 2023. To do so, Rock will team with director Benny Safdie, who directed “Uncut Gems” on “The Smashing Machine,” where he will play Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion.
Safdie also wrote the project. Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, Eli Bush, and David Koplan will also produce the film.
HBO put out a documentary titled “The Smashing Machine” in 2002 that detailed his professional career and his rise in MMA in addition to his addiction to painkillers that led to an overdose. Kerr earned the nickname “The Smashing Machine” because of his fighting style.
Filming
Pwinsider reports the movie will be in production for three months, starting on May 1, 2024, and ending on August 1, 2024, with filming locations taking place in Los Angeles, New Mexico, Tokyo, and Vancouver.
Emily Blunt is the only other cast member who has been announced for the movie, where she will portray Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples. Casting is currently underway.
The Rock will team with Roman Reigns against Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes on the first night of WrestleMania 40 in April. WWE is hoping to have him work another match this year.
