Dwayne Johnson Transforms into Mark Kerr: A Journey into the World of MMA
In an exclusive interview, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson revealed details about his incredible transformation to play the legendary MMA fighter, Mark Kerr, in the movie “The Smashing Machine.” Johnson shared how he immersed himself in the world of combat to bring Kerr to life, a process that involved unprecedented physical and mental changes in his career.
“I’ve never worked so hard for a role,” Johnson stated.
Dwayne Johnson
The preparation for the role of Kerr was exhaustive. Johnson underwent rigorous physical training, which included an intensive MMA camp, to acquire the physique and movements characteristic of the fighter. The actor even gained approximately 30 pounds of muscle mass to embody Kerr’s strength and physique.The transformation process was not limited to the physical aspect. Johnson worked with a vocal coach to imitate Kerr’s soft and particular voice. In addition, the characterization included the use of makeup and prosthetics, created by Academy Award winner Kazu Hiro, to achieve a striking resemblance.
The film, directed by Benny Safdie, explores the life of Mark Kerr, spanning a period similar to that of the 2002 documentary. Johnson highlighted the importance of honoring the memory of the friends he lost and paying tribute to Kerr’s career. The actor met Kerr around 1997, at which time they both witnessed the sudden increase in deaths of MMA fighters and professional wrestlers due to substance abuse issues. Johnson himself was moved by Kerr’s story, which motivated him to give his best for the role.
Johnson’s training began in April 2024, a month before filming started. The daily routine consisted of fasted cardio, followed by a weightlifting session and more cardio. Cage sessions, lasting from one hour to ninety minutes, completed the training.
Johnson’s dedication to the role was demonstrated in a fight scene where he took a real hit. The crew had to convince the professional wrestler to hit Johnson, in a show of commitment to authenticity.The actor shared his transformation process on Instagram, calling it a “very humble, intense and motivating journey”.
The film also addresses personal aspects of Kerr’s life, including his problems with his ex-wife, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. Safdie treated those scenes as combats in themselves, seeking to create an environment of trust and respect among the actors.
The emotional scenes in the film, which Johnson described as “raw” and “intense,” were based on the actor’s childhood experiences. Johnson revealed that he was inspired by his parents’ arguments, which allowed him to connect deeply with the character.
Johnson’s performance has been praised by critics, who consider it one of the best of his career. Kerr himself was impressed with Johnson’s transformation, and his son validated the performance. The film promises to be a moving and authentic portrait of Mark Kerr’s life.
