The highly anticipated biopic about Mark Kerr titled “Smashing Machine” has finally received a release date.
The film, in which Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays the role of the disgraced former UFC and PRIDE fighter, will be released in theaters on October 3rd. Deadline was the first to report this release date.
Benny Safdie, known for his work on films such as “Uncut Gems,” directed and co-wrote the film. The film also stars Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr`s wife, Dawn Staples.
“Smashing Machine” will be released in theaters simultaneously with the film “Roofman” starring Channing Tatum and Oz Perkins` new horror film titled “The Keeper,” which will also premiere on October 3rd.
Based on the documentary of the same name, “Smashing Machine” tells the story of Kerr`s rise and fall: from being recognized as one of the best fighters in the world to battling addiction at the end of his career.
The film also stars former Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader, who plays Kerr`s friend and UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman.
Other notable names in the film include world heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, playing Russian fighter Igor Vovchanchyn, Satoshi Ishii as Enson Inoue, James Moontasri as Akira Shoji, Andre Tricoteux as Paul Varelans, and former UFC heavyweight champion Bas Rutten, playing himself, after playing a major role in the original documentary about Kerr.
“Smashing Machine” is being produced by independent studio A24.
