(usartical) Dwayne Johnson Steps into the Octagon: The Inside Scoop on His Role as Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s Biopic
Wednesday, Johnson‘s publicist Michelle Margolis revealed that the actor has been cast to play mixed martial arts hero Mark Kerr in the upcoming biopic “The Smashing Machine.” Johnson rose to fame in entertainment thanks to his professional wrestling identity, “The Rock.”
The name of the movie honors Kerr’s combat alias of the same name.
According to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson conceived the movie with “Uncut Gems” co-director——Benny Safdie. This will be Safdie’s first feature picture directed by himself.
The life narrative of Kerr has previously been adapted for the big screen. The HBO documentary “The Smashing Machine,” helmed by John Hyams in 2002, focused on Kerr.
According to THR and Deadline, A24 will co-produce and finance the movie with Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions and Safdie’s Out for the Count label. The movie will follow Kerr through his personal hardships, such as his early 2000s addiction fight.
A24’s Noah Sacco told the outlets in a statement, “Dwayne and Benny are singular talents, and their shared vision for Mark’s inspiring story is electrifying.” “We are deeply honored to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life.”
Safdie, who is most renowned for his directing collaborations with his brother Josh Safdie, co-directed the 2019 murder thriller “Uncut Gems,” starring Idina Menzel, Adam Sandler, and Julia Fox. The movie garnered the Safdies a best director win at the 2019 New York Film Critics Circle Awards and was nominated for best picture at the 2020 Critics Choice Awards.