Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Transformed into Mark Kerr for “The Smashing Machine”
Dwayne Johnson, known worldwide as “The Rock”, immersed himself in a process of physical and mental transformation to play MMA pioneer Mark Kerr in the film “The Smashing Machine”. During an interview, Johnson shared details on how he prepared for this challenging role, including the opinion of people close to Kerr.
“Dad, he walks like you. He looks like you. He talks like you.”
Bryce Kerr, son of Mark Kerr
The actor recounted that his son, Bryce, upon seeing the film, was surprised by the resemblance between Johnson and his father, thus validating the actor’s transformation. Preparation for the role included rigorous physical training and the use of prosthetics to achieve Kerr’s appearance. Johnson worked with a voice coach to imitate Kerr’s smooth and characteristic tone.
The filming of “The Smashing Machine” was a challenge for Johnson, who highlighted the intensity of the work and the dedication required for the role. The film, produced by A24, will be released soon.The film explores a period similar to that of the 2002 documentary about Kerr, “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.” The director, Benny Safdie, sought to honor the original documentary, while Johnson focused on paying tribute to his friends who suffered losses in the world of MMA.
Johnson, known for his imposing physique, faced the challenge of gaining muscle mass to resemble the body of Kerr, a heavyweight wrestler with unique musculature. To achieve this, he underwent an intensive training regimen at an MMA camp, working with professional trainers and fighters.Johnson’s training began in April 2024, a month before filming started. The regimen included fasted cardio, weight training, and cage sessions. The actor shared his experience on Instagram, describing the camp as a humbling and intense journey.
During filming, Johnson faced real challenges, even getting hit in a fight scene. Authenticity was key for the team, including the recreation of important moments from Kerr’s career.
The film also explores Kerr’s personal relationships, including his relationship with his ex-wife, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. Safdie approached these scenes as emotional battles, seeking the actors’ confidence and authenticity.
Johnson drew on his own family experiences to interpret these scenes, which he described as “raw” and “intense”.
