Dwayne Johnson takes on a dramatic role in A24’s The Smashing Machine, a departure from his usual action and comedy movies.

The Rock’s recent projects include Young Rock, Black Adam, and DC League of Super-Pets. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson will play real-life MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the upcoming A24 film.

Actor Dwayne Johnson is cast in A24’s upcoming film The Smashing Machine, marking a dramatic turn for the actor. As a former wrestler turned actor, Johnson is most well known for making movies in the action genre and the occasional family comedy. His most recent work includes roles in Young Rock, Black Adam, and DC League of Super-Pets.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson has now been cast in A24’s The Smashing Machine. In the movie, he will portray a real-life MMA fighter named Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament champion. The sports biopic is written and directed by Benny Safdie, who helmed movies like Uncut Gems and Good Time.

Why Benny Safdie and The Rock Could Be The Perfect Combo?

Best known for co-directing the film Uncut Gems with brother Josh Safdie, The Smashing Machine will mark Benny Safdie’s first solo directorial effort. He and Johnson have reportedly been developing this sports drama together since 2019. The plot details are still unknown, but the life of Kerr has been previously portrayed in the HBO documentary of the same name. The documentary chronicles Kerr as he navigates the wrestling world and struggles with drug addiction.

While acting in a non-action drama film is unusual for Johnson, the star’s background is very fitting for the role. Before he transitioned into acting, he had an active wrestling career in WWE before officially leaving in 2004. Since then, Johnson has made occasional appearances, including recently this past summer on WWE SmackDown. So, while drama may be outside his comfort zone, the wrestling beat is under Johnson’s expertise.

Safdie also has quite a resume working with actors outside their comfort zone. For instance, comedic actor Adam Sandler took a dramatic turn portraying the lead role in Uncut Gems, and former Twilight star Robert Pattinson acted in Good Time at the beginning of his breakout into indie film. These movies recognized the actors’ versatility for their darker roles and, by extension, Safdie’s gift as a director. Thus, Safdie and Johnson may be the perfect odd duo to take on The Smashing Machine together.