In the ongoing discourse about Hollywood’s portrayal of MMA legends, renowned wrestling and MMA journalist Dave Meltzer has voiced a provocative opinion regarding WWE superstar turned actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s recent biopic role. While Johnson’s transformation into UFC fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine garnered attention, Meltzer argues there was a more intriguing UFC figure better suited for such a cinematic depiction.
The Rock’s Ambitious Transformation Into Mark Kerr
Dwayne Johnson committed heavily to his role as Mark Kerr, an early UFC heavyweight and MMA pioneer, for the film The Smashing Machine. He gained approximately 30 pounds of muscle and employed prosthetics to capture Kerr’s imposing physique and presence, reflecting Johnson’s dedication to authenticity[1]. Although the film had an ambitious $50 million budget, it underperformed significantly at the box office, grossing just under $6 million in its opening weekend[3].
Despite its commercial failure, the film is notable for bringing early MMA history to the big screen, a subject previously seldom explored with such star power. However, Meltzer believes that casting Johnson as Kerr missed a unique opportunity to highlight a more compelling story from UFC lore.
Who Did Dave Meltzer Recommend Instead?
In a candid discussion, Meltzer suggested that Mark Coleman, known as “The Godfather of Ground and Pound,” would have been a much more fascinating choice for Johnson to portray. Coleman, a former UFC heavyweight champion and Olympic wrestler, had a dramatic and influential career that reshaped MMA’s evolution—his story arguably holds more cinematic potential[1][3].
Coleman’s rise from Olympic wrestling gold medalist to UFC pioneer includes intense rivalries, a trailblazing fighting style, and personal highs and lows that would add rich narrative layers to any biopic. Meltzer highlighted that Coleman’s in-ring persona and impact on MMA arguably eclipse Kerr’s, particularly in how Coleman helped define modern MMA striking techniques on the ground.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights on Casting Decisions
According to sources close to the production, the choice of Mark Kerr was partly influenced by Kerr’s intriguing personal struggles, including battles with addiction and mental health—elements producers felt could deliver a raw, humanizing story[2]. However, some WWE insiders speculate that Johnson’s wrestling background might have made closer alignment with Coleman’s wrestling credentials a better fit.
A WWE insider told us, “There was a lot of talk backstage about how Dwayne could have brought ‘The Godfather of Ground and Pound’ to life given his own athleticism and charisma. The depth of Coleman’s story might have resonated more with MMA fans and general audiences alike.”
How The Smashing Machine Measures Up in MMA Film History
While The Smashing Machine showcased important early UFC history, critics and fans note its focus on Kerr did not quite capture the full breadth of MMA’s dramatic evolution. Meltzer explained that although Kerr’s story offers emotional weight, it does not fully encompass the transformative impact that figures like Coleman had on the sport’s growth.
This sentiment was echoed in Meltzer’s analysis of the film’s accuracy. He acknowledged the movie’s effort to faithfully depict Kerr’s battles but suggested it glossed over the broader context of the UFC’s early era and the fighters who reshaped it[4].
The Rock’s MMA Endeavors: Expanding the Genre?
Dwayne Johnson’s involvement in The Smashing Machine marks one of his few ventures into MMA-related storytelling, a genre that continues to gain momentum in Hollywood. With Johnson’s star power, future MMA biopics could potentially reach wider audiences, sparking increased mainstream interest in the sport’s history.
If a Mark Coleman biopic or a similar project moves forward, Johnson’s proven dedication to embodying athletic icons suggests he could again deliver a powerful performance—potentially one that resonates better critically and commercially.
What’s Next for MMA Biopics?
Meltzer’s comments have stirred conversations among MMA fans eager to see the sport’s pioneers dramatized on screen. Beyond Kerr and Coleman, other MMA legends with compelling stories include Ken Shamrock, Randy Couture, and Ronda Rousey. Each fighter’s unique journey offers ample material for gripping films.
According to an entertainment industry source, “MMA is ripe for authentic biographical storytelling. What Hollywood needs is the right combination of a charismatic lead, a compelling story, and respect for the sport’s nuances—it’s a formula that’s yet to be fully realized.”
The debate over Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal in The Smashing Machine underlines larger questions about the intersection of MMA and entertainment. While Johnson’s effort to bring Mark Kerr’s story to life was substantial, experts like Meltzer challenge the creative choices, pointing to untapped potential in UFC history for captivating cinema.
This ongoing dialogue may well influence casting decisions and project development in the MMA biography genre for years to come, with fans and insiders watching closely for the next big fight to hit the big screen.