Get ready to step into the octagon, because the first poster for Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine just dropped, and it’s got everyone talking. Released by A24 on April 28, 2025, the poster gives us a gritty glimpse into Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s transformation as MMA legend Mark Kerr. With a trailer set to hit the next day, the hype for this biographical sports drama is already through the roof. Here’s why this poster—and the movie—are about to shake up Hollywood.
A Poster That Hits Hard
The poster is raw and intense, showing Johnson as Kerr, fists raised, staring down his opponent with a thousand-yard gaze. It’s a stark departure from The Rock’s usual larger-than-life action-hero vibe. Gone are his signature tattoos and megawatt smile; instead, we get a battle-ready fighter with short black hair, looking every bit the part of a 90s UFC icon. The tagline, “The Smashing Machine,” looms large, hinting at the brutal, emotional journey ahead. A24’s minimalist design keeps the focus on Johnson’s transformation, and it’s working—fans and critics alike are buzzing.
What’s The Smashing Machine About?
Directed and co-written by Benny Safdie—known for co-helming gems like Uncut Gems and Good Time with his brother Josh—The Smashing Machine dives into the life of Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and wrestling phenom. Set around the year 2000, the film explores Kerr’s rise in the brutal world of MMA, his struggles with painkiller addiction, and his complex relationship with his then-girlfriend Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. The cast also includes MMA stars like Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman and Oleksandr Usyk as Igor Vovchanchyn, adding authenticity to the ring.
This is Safdie’s first solo directorial effort, and he’s pulling no punches. Known for drawing raw performances from actors like Adam Sandler and Robert Pattinson, Safdie saw something special in Johnson. “You really understand the fears, the love, the sadness, the happiness,” Safdie told GQ, praising Johnson’s openness to tackle a role this heavy. Johnson himself has said he connects deeply with Kerr’s story, having faced his own struggles without a mentor early in his career.
A New Side of The Rock
The poster’s biggest talking point? Johnson’s transformation. With prosthetics and makeup so convincing that extras on set didn’t recognize him, he’s shedding his blockbuster persona for something raw and real. “I look what I am,” Johnson told GQ. “But to disappear in Smashing Machine… it was really freeing.” Safdie recounted hilarious set moments where people asked, “When’s The Rock getting here?” while Johnson was right there, fully in character.
This isn’t Johnson’s first dramatic role—he showed glimpses of depth in Southland Tales and Gridiron Gang—but it’s his boldest. UFC CEO Dana White is already predicting an Oscar nod, telling Collider, “The Rock will kill this… I know how serious he’s taking this.” Fans on X are hopeful, with one writing, “If Safdie got that performance out of Sandler, imagine what he’ll do with The Rock.”
A24’s Big Swing
A24, the studio behind indie darlings like Moonlight and Hereditary, is betting big on The Smashing Machine. The film, set for release on October 3, 2025, marks Johnson’s first collaboration with the studio and a reunion with Blunt after their 2021 Jungle Cruise romp. Their real-life friendship—Blunt pushed Johnson to revive the project after watching the 2002 HBO documentary The Smashing Machine—adds extra heart to the casting.
The film’s production was no small feat, shooting across New Mexico, Tokyo, and Vancouver from May to August 2024. With Safdie editing during filming, there’s even talk of a potential awards-season push, though A24 hasn’t locked in a December release. The poster drop and tomorrow’s trailer are just the start of what’s shaping up to be a major campaign.
Why This Matters
The Smashing Machine is more than a sports biopic—it’s a pivot for Johnson, who’s chasing roles that “explore humanity, struggle, and pain,” as he told Variety. It’s also a test for Safdie, stepping out solo after years of collaborating with his brother. The poster sets the tone: this is a gritty, emotional story, not a popcorn blockbuster.
Get Ready for the Trailer
With the trailer dropping tomorrow, April 29, 2025, the first poster has done its job: it’s got us hooked. The Smashing Machine promises a knockout performance from Johnson, a bold vision from Safdie, and A24’s signature storytelling. Whether you’re an MMA fan or just love a good underdog story, this one’s shaping up to be a contender.
So, mark your calendars for October 3, 2025, and keep an eye out for that trailer. If the poster’s any indication, The Smashing Machine is about to hit like a haymaker.
