‘The Smashing Machine’ Venice Film Festival World Premiere Photo Gallery

The Venice Film Festival hosted the world premiere of The Smashing Machine, Benny Safdie’s first solo directorial film. The biopic stars Dwayne Johnson as the legendary mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, with Emily Blunt co-starring as Kerr’s girlfriend, Dawn Staples.

Attending the premiere were members of the film’s ensemble, including Mark Kerr, Charlie Kaufman, Eva H.D., Josef Akiki, Emily McCann Lesser, Halsey, Avan Jogia, Isabelle Deluce, and more.

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The Smashing Machine is a biographical sports drama about the life of former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Mark Kerr. Johnson stars as Kerr, a two-time UFC and PRIDE Grand Prix tournament winner known as “The Smashing Machine” for his powerful, wrestling-based fighting style. 

Beyond the ring, the film offers a raw look at a pivotal period in Kerr’s life, spanning from 1997 to 2000, when he was a dominant force in the sport while also battling significant personal demons. As Kerr’s world becomes increasingly chaotic, his girlfriend Dawn Staples (Blunt) struggles to find her place.

Producers on The Smashing Machine include Safdie via his Out for the Count banner, and Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia for Seven Bucks Productions. David Koplan and Eli Bush are also producers. Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk round out the film’s cast. 

A24 will release the film theatrically on October 3.