Dwayne Johnson is soon heading to theaters in what might be the most dramatic role of his career so far. In “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson will play MMA and UFC fighter Mark Kerr, who was the subject of a 2002 HBO documentary that chronicled his substance abuse and explored the brutality of the sport to which he’d dedicated his life. The new trailer for “The Smashing Machine,” released Tuesday by A24, hits on those themes and more, also highlighting Kerr’s tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend, played in the film by Johnson’s former “Jungle Cruise” co-star Emily Blunt. “Winning is the best feeling in the word,” Johnson as Kerr says in the trailer. “It’s 40,000 people in there cheering you on. There’s no other high like it in the world.” Though he has yet to speak specifically about his physical transformation for the role, Johnson appears to have used facial prosthetics to help him more closely resemble Kerr, whose 12-year career took off in the late ’90s. The new film marks a more dramatic turn from Johnson, who is best known for his high-octane action fare like “San Andreas,” “Skyscraper,” and is certainly not what audiences might be accustomed to seeing from him. That, he told GQ last year, was apparently the point of playing Kerr. “It was also an opportunity for me, I realized, to stretch myself in ways that I hadn’t been stretched yet,” he told the publication. “And also challenge myself in ways that I hadn’t been challenged.” Johnson’s most recent theatrical release was last year’s “Moana 2,” in which he once against lent his voice as Maui. He has also been more active in the wrestling ring in recent years after making a surprise return to WWE in 2023. Last year, he joined the board of directors for TKO Group Holdings, the company consisting of the recently merged WWE and UFC. Following the WWE’s partnership with Netflix, he made a much-hyped appearance at the January debut of WWE Raw on the streaming platform. “The Smashing Machine,” out October 3, comes from writer/director Benny Safdie, who marks his solo film directorial debut with the movie. He is best known for working alongside his brother Josh, co-directing the acclaimed “Uncut Gems,” among other films.
Dwayne Johnson, is that you? See his dramatic new look as UFC fighter Mark Kerr in ‘The Smashing Machine’ trailer
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Dwayne Johnson Takes on Dramatic Role as Mark Kerr in 'The Smashing Machine'"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
Dwayne Johnson is set to showcase his most transformative role to date in the upcoming film 'The Smashing Machine,' where he portrays Mark Kerr, a prominent MMA and UFC fighter. The film is based on a 2002 HBO documentary that delves into Kerr's struggles with substance abuse and the inherent violence of the sport. The recently released trailer emphasizes not only the physical demands of fighting but also Kerr's challenging personal relationships, particularly with his girlfriend, played by Emily Blunt, who previously starred alongside Johnson in 'Jungle Cruise.' The trailer captures the exhilaration of victory, with Johnson's character declaring, 'Winning is the best feeling in the world,' encapsulating the adrenaline rush experienced by fighters. Johnson's physical transformation for the role has been a topic of interest, showcasing his use of facial prosthetics to achieve a closer resemblance to Kerr, who rose to fame in the late 1990s.
This film represents a significant departure for Johnson, traditionally known for action-packed roles in movies like 'San Andreas' and 'Skyscraper.' He expressed a desire to push his boundaries and take on a more dramatic role, recognizing it as an opportunity for personal growth and artistic challenge. His last theatrical release was 'Moana 2,' where he voiced the character Maui, but he has also been making waves in the wrestling world, returning to WWE in 2023 and joining the board of TKO Group Holdings, which unifies WWE and UFC. Directed by Benny Safdie, known for his collaborative work on 'Uncut Gems,' 'The Smashing Machine' is set to be released on October 3, and promises to offer audiences a deeper look into the life of a fighter, both in and out of the ring, marking a new chapter in Johnson's illustrious career.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores Dwayne Johnson's upcoming role as Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine,” highlighting the film's dramatic themes and Johnson's physical transformation for the part. This portrayal marks a significant departure from his previous action-oriented roles, suggesting an effort to showcase his range as an actor. The piece aims to generate excitement around the film while also framing Johnson's career evolution.
Purpose Behind the Article
The article serves to inform the public about Johnson's new film and his transformation into a character that embodies serious issues like substance abuse and the brutal realities of mixed martial arts. By emphasizing these themes, the article seeks to attract viewers who may appreciate a more profound narrative than what Johnson typically offers.
Public Perception
The intended public perception is likely one of anticipation and curiosity. By featuring Johnson in a more serious role, the article appeals to audiences who may view him as a versatile actor capable of tackling complex subjects. This shift could help reshape his image from a typical action star to a more serious dramatic actor.
Omissions or Hidden Aspects
There could be an underlying intention to distract from the darker aspects of the sport itself or Johnson's past roles. While the article highlights the film's themes, it may gloss over potential criticisms of the UFC and MMA culture, which includes issues of violence and health risks associated with these sports.
Manipulative Elements
The article's manipulative aspects could stem from its emotionally charged language and focus on the dramatic transformation, possibly leading readers to view the film and Johnson's performance through a lens of admiration rather than scrutiny. The portrayal may also encourage a sympathetic view of Kerr's struggles, thereby influencing how audiences perceive the sport.
Truthfulness of the Content
The information presented appears factual, focusing on Johnson's role and the themes of the film. However, the narrative is crafted in a way that emphasizes positivity and growth, which may overshadow more controversial elements of the story.
Societal Impacts
The article could influence societal views on MMA and the challenges faced by athletes within the sport. As Johnson is a high-profile figure, his association with the film may spark broader discussions about athlete welfare and the impact of fame, possibly resonating with audiences concerned about mental health and addiction.
Target Audience
The article likely appeals to fans of Dwayne Johnson, MMA enthusiasts, and individuals interested in drama films that tackle real-life issues. It may also attract viewers who appreciate narratives about personal struggle and redemption.
Market Influence
While the article itself may not directly impact stock markets, the film's success could influence the financial performance of production companies like A24. Dwayne Johnson's ongoing relationship with WWE and UFC may also create a ripple effect in related sectors, particularly in sports entertainment.
Geopolitical Relevance
Although the article does not directly address geopolitical issues, it touches on themes of addiction and personal struggle that resonate globally. The film's narrative may align with current societal discussions about mental health, making it relevant to broader conversations today.
AI Involvement
It is unlikely that AI played a direct role in the writing of this article, as it features a standard journalistic style that reflects human insight into the film industry and celebrity culture. However, if AI tools were used, they might have influenced the overall tone and structure, promoting a narrative that highlights the positive aspects of Johnson's career shift.
The article successfully creates a narrative that celebrates Dwayne Johnson's growth as an actor, while also touching on serious themes related to the sport he is portraying. The focus on his transformation is designed to engage audiences and provoke thought regarding the implications of fame and personal struggle.