The roar of the crowd is deafening; strobing lights cut through the thick, smoky air of the arena as “The Smashing Machine” flashes across the jumbo screen. It’s the late 90s, and the world is hungry for a new kind of violence. We see Mark Kerr, a raw, imposing figure, hyped on adrenaline and something else, something darker. His manager, a slick character named Coleman, barks instructions he barely registers. All Mark sees is the octagon, his canvas for conquest. Backstage, Dawn, his girlfriend, watches with a mixture of pride and dread etched on her face, knowing the brutal dance Mark is about to engage in. Somewhere in the crowd, Bas Rutten, a legend himself, observes Kerr, recognizing the hunger, the potential, and the self-destructive path he’s barreling down. This isn’t just about winning; for Mark, it’s about escaping something, even if it means smashing himself to pieces in the process.

The Smashing Machine Movie Overview
| Title | The Smashing Machine | 
|---|---|
| Release Status | Released | 
| Release Date | 2025-10-01 | 
| Runtime | 2 hours and 3 minutes | 
| Genre | History, Drama | 
| Original Language | En | 
| Spoken Language | English, Japanese, Ukrainian | 
| Country | United States of America | 
| Production Co. | A24, Seven Bucks Productions, Out for the Count, Magnetic Fields Entertainment | 
The Smashing Machine Movie Cast
| Name | Character | 
|---|---|
| Dwayne Johnson | Mark Kerr | 
| Emily Blunt | Dawn Staples | 
| Lyndsey Gavin | Elizabeth Coleman | 
| Ryan Bader | Mark Coleman | 
| Zoe Kosovic | McKenzie Coleman | 
| Bas Rutten | Bas Rutten | 
| Oleksandr Usyk | Igor Vovchanchyn | 
| Paul Lazenby | Hans Nijman | 
| James Moontasri | Akira Shoji | 
| Yoko Hamamura | Kazuyuki Fujita | 
| Paul Cheng | Masaaki Satake | 
| Andre Tricoteux | Paul Varelans | 
| Satoshi Ishii | Enson Inoue | 
| Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu | Fábio Gurgel | 
| Mark Kerr | 
The Smashing Machine Movie Storyline
In the electrifying world of late 1990s mixed martial arts, Mark Kerr, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, explodes onto the scene, driven by an insatiable hunger to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. Known as “The Smashing Machine” for his brutal fighting style, Mark quickly rises through the ranks, captivating audiences with his raw power and relentless aggression. However, beneath the veneer of invincibility lies a troubled soul battling a crippling opioid addiction and an increasingly volatile relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. Dawn struggles to reconcile her love for Mark with the destructive path he’s on, torn between supporting his dreams and fearing for his well-being. As Mark’s fame grows, so does his reliance on painkillers, blurring the line between controlled aggression and self-destruction. His camaraderie with fellow fighter Mark Coleman, played by Ryan Bader, provides moments of levity amidst the chaos, but even Coleman’s support can’t shield Mark from his inner demons. Through grueling training sessions and adrenaline-fueled matches against rivals like Igor Vovchanchyn, portrayed by Oleksandr Usyk, Mark teeters on the brink, his personal life crumbling as his professional career soars. The film culminates in a high-stakes championship fight, where Mark must confront not only his opponent but also the demons that threaten to consume him, forcing him to choose between the fleeting glory of the ring and the enduring promise of redemption and a future with Dawn.
The Smashing Machine Movie Details
“The Smashing Machine” plunges into the intense world of late 1990s mixed martial arts, charting the tumultuous rise of Mark Kerr, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, a formidable athlete driven by the singular ambition to be crowned the world’s greatest fighter. However, Kerr’s journey to the top is fraught with peril, as he grapples with a crippling opioid addiction that threatens to derail his career and consume his life. Amidst the brutal arena of professional fighting, the film delves into Kerr’s complex and often volatile relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt, who struggles to reconcile her love for him with the destructive path he’s on. As Mark battles opponents in the ring, including the likes of Mark Coleman played by Ryan Bader, he faces an equally daunting fight against his inner demons, showcasing the raw physicality and psychological toll of the sport. Lyndsey Gavin as Elizabeth Coleman along with Zoe Kosovic as Mckenzie Coleman offers a view on family life behind the world of a fighter. With a backdrop of adrenaline-fueled matches and grueling training sessions, “The Smashing Machine” explores themes of ambition, addiction, love, and the human cost of pursuing greatness, offering a raw and unflinching portrait of a legend battling for control both inside and outside the ring, leaving audiences to question the true price of victory.
The Smashing Machine Movie Poster Images
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The Smashing Machine Movie FAQs
What is the movie “The Smashing Machine” about?
It’s a biographical drama about mixed martial artist Mark Kerr’s rise to fame in the late 1990s, his struggles with opioid addiction, and his complicated relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn.
Who stars in “The Smashing Machine”?
Dwayne Johnson stars as Mark Kerr and Emily Blunt plays Dawn Staples.
What genres does “The Smashing Machine” belong to?
It falls under the genres of History and Drama.
When is “The Smashing Machine” scheduled to be released?
The current release date is October 1, 2025.
Who is directing “The Smashing Machine”?
Benny Safdie is the director of the film.
Which production companies are involved in “The Smashing Machine”?
A24, Seven Bucks Productions, Out for the Count, and Magnetic Fields Entertainment are the production companies behind the movie.
Is “The Smashing Machine” based on a true story?
Yes, it is based on the true story of UFC legend Mark Kerr.
What is the runtime of “The Smashing Machine”?
The movie has a runtime of 123 minutes.
What is the tagline for “The Smashing Machine”?
The tagline is “The unforgettable true story of a UFC legend.”
Where can I watch “The Smashing Machine”?
Information on where to watch the movie will be available closer to its release date.