Dwayne Johnson Talks Portraying UFC Icon Mark Kerr in Biopic

Dwayne Johnson recently spoke about portraying UFC Hall of Famer Mark Kerr in his upcoming biopic, The Smashing Machine. A24 produced the film, which is scheduled for a theatrical release on Oct. 2.

Johnson, known for his action roles, has taken a more dramatic shift in his latest project. The film focuses on the UFC Hall of Famer’s career highs and his battle with addiction.

To accurately portray Kerr, The Rock underwent a significant transformation. He altered his appearance and adjusted his voice to match Kerr’s tone. The Smashing Machine premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.

The film received rave reviews and earned Johnson a standing ovation that moved him to tears.

During a press conference, Johnson, 53, shared his experience playing Kerr. He described the personal and professional challenges Kerr faced throughout his life.

Johnson believes that Kerr overcoming the odds and achieving success is only part of his journey.

“Mark [Kerr] was the greatest [MMA] fighter in the world at one point, but this film is not even about fighting. It’s a love story,” Johnson said. “It’s a love story about Mark and Dawn in this relationship, and it’s a love story about Mark and the love that he had for the thing that he did. ”

Johnson added that he hopes the film will serve as a source of inspiration.

“Kerr’s struggle with trying to deliver, his challenges, and his overcoming. As you know, Mark [overdosed] twice, and he’s lucky to be alive, and that’s part of why this story is so special.”

Dwayne Johnson Opens Up About Shifting to Dramatic Role

Johnson has become one of the biggest box office attractions in Hollywood with his action roles. However, he admitted that he wanted to challenge himself with more dramatic roles.

His earlier dramatic roles in Gridiron Gang and Pain & Gain helped him explore his acting range. Still, he continued making action blockbusters due to their success.

The Smashing Machine gave the WWE legend a chance to return to more dramatic roles. During his press conference, Johnson explained why he accepted the role.

“I had been very fortunate to have the career that I’ve had over the years and to make the films that I’ve made,” Johnson told reporters. “There was just a voice inside of me, that said, ‘Well, what if I could do more? I want to do more. And, what does that look like?’”

He trusted his instincts and embraced the challenge, which could lead to award nominations.

Johnson Draws Parallel Between His Late Father and UFC Icon Mark Kerr

Johnson also spoke about the connection between his late father, Rocky Johnson, and Kerr. His father, a legendary pro wrestler, raised him with tough love.

Johnson has openly discussed the relationship he had with his father. He said the parallels and connection with his father was added motivation to take on Kerr’s story.

“[My father’s] capacity for love was very limited…It was tough love, so there’s also a tremendous amount of shame involved,” Johnson said during his press conference. “The part that inspired [me] playing Mark Kerr…was more, ‘I’m hungry for something and I want to go after it, and I believe in this thing and I’m going to put in the work to get it done, and to do it with my own two hands.’”

Johnson concluded:

“That’s what [Kerr] does and that’s what my dad did.”

Giancarlo Aulino Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and York United FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
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