, featuring Dwayne Johnson as MMA fighter Mark Kerr, alongside Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples. Directed by Benny Safdie, this biographical drama delves into Kerr’s rise in the MMA world and his personal struggles with addiction.){kind=link}
Directed by Benny Safdie.
The Smashing Machine is scheduled to be released on October 3, 2025.
Distributed by A24.
Movie Review
The Smashing Machine (2025) is a biographical sports drama directed by Benny Safdie, following the rise and fall of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, played by Dwayne Johnson.
The film explores Kerr’s tumultuous journey to UFC Heavyweight Champion, battling substance abuse and personal struggles.
Emily Blunt stars as his wife, Dawn Staples, highlighting the emotional toll of their relationship.
With a cast that includes real MMA legends like Bas Rutten and Ryan Bader, the movie offers a raw look at the sacrifices made in the fight game.
Set for release on October 3, 2025, this gripping drama delves into the price of fame and success in MMA.
The Smashing Machine (2025) Actors
Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr
DOB: May 2, 1972
Dwayne Johnson, also known as “The Rock,” is an American actor, producer, and former professional wrestler.
He rose to fame with WWE and transitioned into acting, becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Role in the Movie: Dwayne Johnson plays the role of Mark Kerr, a real-life MMA legend known as “The Smashing Machine.”
His character grapples with the pressures of being at the top of the sport while struggling with personal demons.
What to Expect: Fans can expect an intense, emotionally charged performance from Johnson as he embodies the complexities of an athlete dealing with fame and addiction.
Favorite Things: Dwayne enjoys working out, spending time with his family, and philanthropy.
Notable Works: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), Fast & Furious series, San Andreas (2015).
Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples
DOB: February 23 1983
Emily Blunt is a British-American actress renowned for her versatility and captivating performances.
She’s known for her roles in both drama and action films.
Role in the Movie: Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Mark Kerr’s love interest, who becomes his emotional anchor during his career struggles.
What to Expect: Expect Blunt to bring depth to her character, portraying the role of someone who is supportive yet conflicted by the choices her partner makes.
Favorite Things: Emily enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and gardening.
Notable Works: A Quiet Place (2018), Edge of Tomorrow (2014), The Devil Wears Prada (2006).
Lyndsey Gavin as Elizabeth Coleman
DOB: Not Available
Lyndsey Gavin is an up-and-coming actress known for her intense screen presence and ability to tackle complex roles.
Role in the Movie: Gavin plays Elizabeth Coleman, a key character whose actions are pivotal to the development of the storyline.
What to Expect: Gavin’s performance promises to be both gripping and subtle, adding emotional depth to the story.
Favorite Things: Not publicly disclosed.
Notable Works: Always Amore.
Zoe Kosovic as McKenzie Coleman
DOB: not available
Zoe Kosovic is a rising actress whose talent is gaining recognition in the entertainment industry.
Role in the Movie: Kosovic portrays McKenzie Coleman, a character whose life intertwines with the world of MMA and its impact on personal lives.
What to Expect: Viewers can expect a powerful performance as Kosovic plays a character who challenges the athletes’ perspectives on fame and success.
Favorite Things: Not publicly disclosed.
Notable Works: The Crossing (2021), Broken Pieces (2023).
Oleksandr Usyk as Igor Vovchanchyn
DOB: January 17, 1987
Oleksandr Usyk is a Ukrainian professional boxer, currently the undisputed cruiserweight champion and a heavyweight contender.
A former Olympic gold medalist, he is regarded as one of the best boxers of his generation.
Role in the Movie: Usyk plays Igor Vovchanchyn, a fierce and skilled MMA fighter who becomes an important antagonist in the storyline.
What to Expect: As a real-world fighter, Usyk’s involvement guarantees authentic and intense fight sequences.
Favorite Things: Boxing, family time, and community involvement.
Notable Works: The Smashing Machine (2025) is his acting debut.
Bas Rutten as Himself
DOB: February 24, 1965
Bas Rutten is a retired Dutch mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former UFC Heavyweight Champion.
He is also an actor and commentator.
Role in the Movie: Rutten appears as himself, bringing authenticity to the MMA world portrayed in the film.
What to Expect: Fans of MMA will appreciate Rutten’s real-life expertise as he lends his experience to the movie’s action scenes.
Favorite Things: Training, teaching, and spending time with his family.
Notable Works: The King of the Cage (2001), I Am Legend (2007), Fight Master: Bellator MMA (2013).
Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman
DOB: June 7, 1983
Ryan Bader is a professional MMA fighter currently signed with Bellator MMA.
He has competed in UFC and has held multiple championship titles in various weight classes.
Role in the Movie: Bader plays Mark Coleman, an iconic figure in MMA history, known for his wrestling and his role in shaping the sport.
What to Expect: Expect Bader to portray a seasoned fighter, bringing his experience to the screen for an authentic performance.
Favorite Things: Training, competing, and spending time with family.
Notable Works: UFC Fight Night, The Smashing Machine (2025).
Satoshi Ishii as Enson Inoue
DOB: December 19, 1986
Satoshi Ishii is a Japanese-Croatian retired mixed martial artist and Olympic gold medalist in judo.
Role in the Movie: Ishii plays Enson Inoue, a well-known figure in the MMA community, adding credibility to the portrayal of the sport’s key players.
What to Expect: Audiences can look forward to a performance filled with genuine fight scenes, as Ishii’s real-life experience will be put to good use.
Favorite Things: Shooting, martial arts, and traveling.
Notable Works: Here Comes the Boom (2012), multiple judo tournaments, UFC appearances.
Yoko Hamamura as Kazuyuki Fujita
DOB: not available
Yoko Hamamura is an actor and martial artist with experience in both film and TV, contributing to the realism of fight scenes in The Smashing Machine.
Role in the Movie: Hamamura plays Kazuyuki Fujita, a fierce opponent in the MMA arena who challenges the main characters.
What to Expect: Expect realistic fight choreography and a strong presence as Hamamura’s character adds intensity to the action.
Favorite Things: Not publicly disclosed.
Notable Works: The Paper Tigers (2020), Wu Assassins (2019).
Paul Cheng as Masaaki Satake
DOB: August 4, 1976
Paul Cheng is a professional MMA fighter and actor, known for his presence in the action genre.
Role in the Movie: Cheng portrays Masaaki Satake, a skilled fighter in the MMA world.
What to Expect: Viewers will appreciate Cheng’s martial arts background, as his experience contributes to realistic fight scenes.
Favorite Things: Not publicly disclosed.
Notable Works: Professional MMA career, appearances in various action films.
Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu as Fábio Gurgel
DOB: December 20, 1980
Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion and instructor, known for his dominance in the sport.
Role in the Movie: Abreu plays Fábio Gurgel, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert who adds depth to the fight choreography.
What to Expect: Expect expert-level jiu-jitsu techniques as Abreu contributes to the realism of the film’s martial arts sequences.
Favorite Things: Brazilian jiu-jitsu, family, and teaching.
Notable Works: Multiple Brazilian jiu-jitsu championships, founder of Fight Sports Miami.
FAQ – The Smashing Machine (2025)
Who defeated Mark Kerr?
Mark Kerr was defeated by Randy Couture at UFC 28 in 2000 and by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at PRIDE 25 in 2004.
Why was Mark Kerr called the smashing machine?
Mark Kerr was called “The Smashing Machine” because of his dominant and brutal fighting style, overpowering opponents with strength and aggression.
What was Mark Kerr’s addiction?
Mark Kerr’s addiction was primarily to painkillers, which he used to manage the physical pain from his MMA career.
Where was The Smashing Machine filmed?
The movie was filmed across several locations, including New Mexico, Tokyo, and Vancouver, to authentically capture the environments that shaped Mark Kerr’s journey.
Is The Smashing Machine based on a true story?
Yes, The Smashing Machine is based on the real-life story of Mark Kerr, who was a UFC star but struggled with addiction and other personal challenges throughout his career.
Conclusion
The Smashing Machine (2025) promises to be a gripping and emotional exploration of the highs and lows of MMA, with Dwayne Johnson delivering a powerful performance as Mark Kerr.
The film doesn’t just focus on the physical battles inside the ring, but also the mental and emotional struggles that come with fame and addiction.
With a talented cast and a poignant narrative, this movie is sure to resonate with both MMA fans and those who appreciate compelling, real-life stories of resilience.