Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in the biopic ‘The Smashing Machine’, based on the life of UFC legend Mark Kerr. The film not only showcases Kerr’s professional triumphs but also delves into his personal life, especially his rocky relationship with his then-wife, Dawn Staples (played by Blunt). The trailer alludes to Staples’ unwavering support for Kerr despite the physical and emotional toll of his career.
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The highlight of the movie is Kerr’s pivotal fight with his close friend and training partner, Mark Coleman, portrayed by Ryan Bader. In addition to the stellar performances by Johnson, Blunt, and Bader, the film boasts an ensemble cast including Oleksandr Usyk as Igor Vovchanchyn, Satoshi Ishii as Enson Inoue, James Moontasri as Akira Shoji, Yoko Hamamura as Kazuyuki Fujita, as well as appearances by Stephen Quadros and Bas Rutten as themselves.
Dwayne Johnson underwent a significant physical transformation to portray Kerr accurately, gaining 30 lbs. of muscle weight for the role. Kerr himself has expressed his admiration for Johnson’s portrayal, sharing his gratitude for the attention to detail in the film. Meanwhile, Emily Blunt, who plays Dawn Staples, delved deep into her character’s complexities, capturing the essence of living with a professional fighter.
Ryan Bader, known for his MMA expertise, makes his acting debut by embodying the role of Mark Coleman, Kerr’s friend and rival. Both Bader and Coleman have embraced the portrayal, with the latter sharing his excitement at being depicted as a “savage killer” in the film. The movie also features Usyk as Vovchanchyn, a prominent figure in Kerr’s career, showcasing his prowess as an athlete transitioning into acting.
Satoshi Ishii’s portrayal of Enson Inoue adds depth to Kerr’s narrative, while James Moontasri embodies the charismatic figure of Akira Shoji, bringing to life the early days of the Pride Fighting Championship. Yoko Hamamura steps into the role of Kazuyuki Fujita, depicting the intense rivalry between the two fighters at the Pride Grand Prix 2000 Finals.
Stephen Quadros and Bas Rutten, both veterans in the mixed martial arts world, play themselves in the film, adding authenticity to the narrative. Rutten, a former UFC champion, lent his expertise to coaching Kerr after retiring from his own fighting career. Their presence in the movie further solidifies the connection to the real-life events and personalities depicted on screen.
As ‘The Smashing Machine’ hits theatres, audiences are treated to a gripping tale of resilience, friendship, and the tumultuous world of professional fighting. The cast’s dedication to honouring the lives of these iconic figures shines through in their performances, making the film a must-watch for fans of sports dramas and biopics. The blend of adrenaline-fuelled action and heartfelt moments promises an engaging cinematic experience for viewers.