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Dwayne Johnson, renowned for his physically demanding roles, recently confirmed that he sustained a legitimate punch during the filming of "The Smashing Machine," a biographical drama chronicling the life of mixed martial arts icon Mark Kerr. The incident occurred while Johnson, portraying Kerr, was executing his own stunt choreography for a pivotal fight scene, a recreation of Kerr’s 2000 Pride Grand Prix finals bout against Kazuyuki Fujita. The immersive experience left Johnson momentarily dazed, underscoring the production’s commitment to raw authenticity.
Speaking during a combat sports media roundtable for the film, Johnson elaborated on the impact of the blow. "It felt like when you get rocked by a real fighter multiple times," Johnson stated. He referenced a moment visible in the film’s trailer where his character is seen on his knees, looking up in a disoriented state. "That’s real. I got my bell rung. Benny [Safdie, the director] said, ‘Hold on! Stay right there!’ I was seeing three heads of Benny Safdie and 15 heads of Mark Kerr." This candid admission highlights the extraordinary measures taken by the production to capture the brutal reality of professional fighting.
Director Benny Safdie had conveyed his vision to Johnson prior to the commencement of production, expressing a desire to "never cut away" from the lead actor during the intense fight sequences. This directive signaled Johnson’s requirement for a deeply physical and immersive performance, despite the availability of two capable stuntmen on standby. While many of the film’s fight scenes are captured from the perspective of the audience in the arena, one particular sequence demanded an uncomfortably close, unblinking view, necessitating Johnson’s foray into a form of method acting to achieve the desired effect.
The challenge arose when Johnson attempted to convince his scene partner, a professional mixed martial artist, to deliver genuine impact. "I said, ‘Hey brother, you’re pulling the punches. You need to lay it in and hit me,’" Johnson recounted. The fighter, exhibiting professional courtesy and respect for Johnson, initially resisted. "He said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘Benny isn’t cutting away. This is the end of the movie. You know this really happened to Mark. You have to lay it in.’ I said, ‘Look, just don’t hit me here, you’ll break my jaw. Don’t hit me in the temple, you’ll kill me. But if you can hit me in my cheekbone.’" The fighter’s apprehension was clear: "No, no, no. I’m not going to do that.’ I said, ‘I need you to hit me.’ He goes, ‘I respect you. I’m not doing that.’"
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Safdie’s intervention became necessary. "I asked Benny to come over. Benny said, ‘You have to hit him because I’m not cutting away.’ I grabbed him and said, ‘Please, brother. It’s you and me here. It’s OK.’" The pressure to deliver an authentic performance was immense, and the shared commitment to Safdie’s vision ultimately prevailed. Bas Rutten, the legendary former UFC Heavyweight Champion and Pancrase King of Pancrase, who was present and listening to the exchange, reportedly interjected with a characteristic bluntness: "’Just hit him! He’s just The Rock! Hit him!’" Johnson confirmed the ensuing impact, stating, "He hit me so hard! That’s what you see in the movie. Not only is he hitting me, but I realized watching back that he’s coming down. That was a punch! Dude!"
The film delves into the complex life and career of Mark Kerr, a prominent figure in the nascent era of mixed martial arts. Born in Toledo, Ohio, Kerr emerged as a dominant force in wrestling, securing two NCAA Division I National Championships for Syracuse University in 1992 and 1994, and a gold medal at the 1994 Goodwill Games. His transition to professional MMA in 1997 saw him quickly rise through the ranks. Known for his imposing physique and relentless wrestling-based "ground and pound" style, Kerr earned the moniker "The Smashing Machine." He debuted in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), winning the heavyweight tournament at UFC 14 in 1997 and UFC 15 in 1997, compiling an undefeated record of 12-0 at one point. His early dominance established him as one of the most formidable heavyweights of his time.
Kerr’s career then transitioned to Japan’s Pride Fighting Championships, where he became a major star. Pride, established in 1997, quickly became the world’s premier MMA organization, known for its grand spectacles and emphasis on finishing fights. It was in Pride that Kerr cemented his legacy, participating in some of the organization’s most memorable events. The specific fight recreated in "The Smashing Machine" is his encounter with Japanese wrestling and MMA veteran Kazuyuki Fujita at the Pride Grand Prix 2000 Finals. Fujita, a former professional wrestler with a strong amateur wrestling background, was a formidable opponent known for his toughness and submission skills. He held notable victories over high-profile opponents such as Ken Shamrock and Mark Coleman. The fight against Fujita, which Kerr lost via disqualification, marked a turning point in his career, highlighting both his athletic prowess and the personal struggles that began to impact his performance.
These struggles, including addiction and the pressures of professional fighting, were unflinchingly documented in the critically acclaimed 2002 HBO documentary "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr." The documentary, directed by John Hyams, offered an intimate and often harrowing look into Kerr’s life, his career highs, and his personal battles outside the cage. It provided a raw, unvarnished portrayal of the human cost of pursuing greatness in a brutal sport, and it serves as the primary inspiration for Safdie’s feature film.
The cast of "The Smashing Machine" features a blend of Hollywood talent and real-life combat sports figures, further solidifying the film’s commitment to authenticity. Emily Blunt stars alongside Johnson, and several notable MMA personalities make appearances. UFC alum and two-division Bellator champion Ryan Bader portrays UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman. Coleman, known as "The Godfather of Ground and Pound," was a pioneer of the sport, winning the UFC 10 and UFC 11 tournaments and becoming the first UFC Heavyweight Champion. His inclusion, portrayed by a contemporary champion like Bader, adds significant credibility to the fight sequences and the historical accuracy of the film.
Undisputed boxing heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk also features in the film. Usyk, an Olympic gold medalist and one of boxing’s pound-for-pound elite, brings unparalleled striking expertise and a global fanbase to the production. His presence underscores the film’s ambition to connect with both MMA and boxing enthusiasts, recognizing the intertwined histories and fan bases of combat sports. Bas Rutten, a legitimate legend of the sport, portrays himself, lending his unique insight and personality to the narrative. Rutten’s career spans the early days of Pancrase, where he became a three-time King of Pancrase, and a brief but impactful run in the UFC, culminating in the UFC Heavyweight Championship. His continued presence as a commentator and analyst ensures his familiarity with the sport’s history and its key figures.
The film’s emphasis on realistic combat, as demonstrated by Johnson’s experience, is a cornerstone of Safdie’s directorial approach. The physical and emotional demands on Johnson to embody Kerr’s complex journey, from athletic triumph to personal tribulation, are substantial. Johnson’s transformation for the role, both physically and in his performance, is anticipated to be a departure from his more conventional action hero roles. "The Smashing Machine" aims to offer a nuanced portrayal of a sports icon whose story transcends the octagon, exploring themes of ambition, addiction, and redemption.
"The Smashing Machine" is scheduled to premiere on October 3 in the U.S., promising audiences a visceral and authentic journey into the life of one of MMA’s most compelling figures, brought to life with an uncompromising commitment to realism from its star and director.
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