In “The Smashing Machine,” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will play mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, displaying a new side of his acting career.
A Change for the Part
The transition to become Mark Kerr, a real-life fighter in his 30s, mostly included facial cosmetics and hairstyling, even though Dwayne Johnson, who is well-known for his many tattoos, needed minor changes below the neck. Interestingly, Johnson and Kerr are only three years apart in age, which lessens the physical change. To assist viewers fully experience Kerr’s character, the makeup and hair team has put a lot of effort into making sure Johnson reflects Kerr.
History of Mark Kerr
Based on the same-titled HBO documentary from 2002, “The Smashing Machine” follows Kerr’s fight to manage his substance abuse and MMA career. December 1968 saw Kerr born in Toledo, Ohio. After moving to Iowa with his family, he returned to his birthplace. At Syracuse University, he won a Division I wrestling championship and spent the early 1990s collecting a number of honors.
Kerr moved to mixed martial arts, competing in Brazil before joining the UFC, after being left off the 1996 Olympic wrestling team. Finishing his UFC career with a 4-0 record, he won the Heavyweight tournament at UFC 14 and UFC 15. He then moved to Pride Fighting Championships in Japan, where he spent the majority of his career.
Johnson Changes Career Path
Johnson’s first big step into dramatic leading parts comes in “The Smashing Machine”. Johnson makes perfect casting considering the similarities between professional wrestlers and mixed martial arts competitors. If he succeeds in this part, it might lead to other dramatic chances for him, particularly after “Black Adam” had a mixed response.
Recent Activities of Johnson
Johnson skipped acting in movies last year, save for a few cameos in the last season of “Young Rock.” Returned to WWE, he joined the TKO Board of Directors and is getting ready for a match at WrestleMania 40 in April.
Outlook for “The Smashing Machine”
The film is much anticipated because of its commitment to accurately telling Kerr’s narrative. Johnson’s career and potential for more dramatic parts are being closely watched by fans of both MMA and Johnson. “The Smashing Machine” looks to be a big stride for Johnson as an actor and maybe a new chapter in his varied career.