Who is Mark Kerr? UFC icon's biopic ‘The Smashing Machine’ starring Dwayne Johnson gets digital release update

Who is Mark Kerr?

Dwayne Johnson stars in The Smashing Machine, a biographical drama about former UFC champion Mark Kerr. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film explores Kerr's rise as a powerful Ohio fighter and the personal struggles with addiction and heartbreak that overshadowed his career.

Film Release and Reception

The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, where Johnson's emotionally raw performance received critical acclaim. Johnson transformed for the role, spending hours daily in makeup with over a dozen prosthetics to accurately portray Kerr.

Many believed The Smashing Machine could finally bring Johnson his long-awaited Oscar recognition.

Box Office Performance

Despite positive reviews and Safdie’s authentic directing style, the film struggled commercially. It opened in theaters on October 3 but grossed only $20.2 million worldwide against a $40 million budget.

Streaming Release

By early November, The Smashing Machine was removed from most theaters and transitioned quickly to streaming platforms, arriving digitally sooner than initially expected.

Where to Watch

Summary: Dwayne Johnson’s gritty portrayal of UFC legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine earned critical praise but underperformed financially, leading to an early digital release.

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MEAWW MEAWW — 2025-11-05

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