Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently revealed he was genuinely scared to portray MMA legend Mark Kerr in the highly anticipated biographical film The Smashing Machine, set for release on October 3, 2025. Despite his decades of experience performing in high-pressure environments, Johnson admitted this role brought him back face-to-face with an intense vulnerability he hadn’t felt in years.
A New Challenge for The Rock
Known for his larger-than-life persona both inside and outside the WWE ring, Johnson is no stranger to demanding performances. However, stepping into the shoes of Mark Kerr—a tough and complex former amateur wrestler turned mixed martial arts fighter—pushed The Rock into unfamiliar territory.
In a recent Vanity Fair interview, Johnson reflected: “It was very real. I had not experienced that in a very, very, very long time, where I was really scared and thinking…” he trailed off, highlighting the depth of his apprehension about fully embodying Kerr’s physicality and emotional struggles[4].
This film marks a departure from the action-packed superhero and blockbuster roles Johnson is typically known for, demanding a more raw and intimate portrayal of a real, troubled sports icon.
About “The Smashing Machine”
The Smashing Machine is directed and written by Benny Safdie and produced by A24, a studio known for bold, critically acclaimed films. The movie centers around Mark Kerr’s turbulent rise through the early days of MMA and UFC, exploring both his career highlights and personal battles. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr’s then-wife Dawn Staples, adding emotional depth to the narrative[1].
The film also features prominent MMA figures such as Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten playing pivotal roles, alongside appearances by fighters like Oleksandr Usyk and Satoshi Ishii[1]. This authentic casting enriches the portrayal of the fighting world during its formative years.
Behind the Scenes: What Makes This Role Daunting?
Sources close to the production revealed that Johnson’s fear wasn’t solely about the physical demands but also about doing justice to Mark Kerr’s complex persona. “Dwayne respects the reality of Kerr’s story — the pain, the fight inside and out of the ring,” said a WWE insider. “Portraying a living legend with such a multifaceted history required The Rock to tap into emotions and vulnerabilities he doesn’t often show publicly.”
Moreover, preparing for the role meant Johnson immersed himself in Kerr’s world, training extensively to capture stance, movement, and the intense spirit of a fighter emerging through early MMA’s brutal era. The commitment to authenticity evidently contributed to confronting his own fears.
A Turning Point in Johnson’s Career
For WWE fans and Hollywood followers alike, this role signals a fascinating evolution in Johnson’s acting career. Moving from scripted entertainment to a gritty sports biopic demands a different kind of courage and dedication.
“The Smashing Machine” premieres at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award. Given Johnson’s candidness about his initial fears, this film could reveal a new artistic depth from one of wrestling and Hollywood’s biggest stars[1].
What It Means for Wrestling and MMA Fans
Given Johnson’s WWE roots and influence, his tackling of MMA’s history through Mark Kerr’s life adds an intriguing crossover appeal. Wrestling insiders suggest this film could serve to bridge fandoms by highlighting how combat sports psychology and dedication span multiple disciplines.
A longtime wrestling commentator shared, “Seeing The Rock expose himself this way—showing real fear and vulnerability—adds a powerful layer to his legend. Fans get to witness a different kind of fight: the internal battle that every athlete endures.”
Looking Ahead to the Release
With a theatrical release scheduled for October 3 by A24, anticipation is high. Early trailers showcase Johnson’s intense transformation and commitment to realism, setting expectations for a performance both physically and emotionally compelling[2].
Industry observers note this endeavor could open doors for Johnson to take on more nuanced, biographical roles in the future, further diversifying his acting portfolio beyond the action hero archetype.
According to sources close to the production, The Rock’s fear was precisely what made his portrayal authentic and resonant, highlighting the enormous respect he holds for Mark Kerr’s legacy in MMA.
Fans and critics alike will be watching closely come October to see how Dwayne Johnson converts his vulnerability into strength on the big screen, adding yet another remarkable chapter to his multifaceted career.