Dwayne Johnson’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival in May to support A24’s sales launch of MMA fighting drama The Smashing Machine has proven to be fruitful. A24 announced a series of deals for the movie, which stars Johnson as the legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The biopic, which recently completed production in Japan, is set for a US release in 2025.
The movie has garnered attention from key partners across the globe. Deals have been struck for distribution in the UK (Entertainment Film Distributors), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (VVS), France (Zinc & Bac), Germany, and Austria (Leonine), Switzerland (Ascot Elite), Japan (Happinet Phantom Studios), Latin America, Spain, and South Africa (Sun), Scandinavia (Nordisk), Benelux (The Searchers), Italy (I Wonder Pictures), China (iQIYI), South Korea (The Coup), CIS (AMedia), CEE (Unicorn), Ukraine (Top Film), Middle East (Front Row), Israel (Lev), Baltics (Acme), Turkey (Filmarti), and Portugal (NOS Lusomundo Audiovisuais).
The Smashing Machine is written, directed, and produced by Benny Safdie, known for his work on films like Uncut Gems and Good Time. A24 is handling the production and financing of the drama, which chronicles the journey of legendary fighter Mark Kerr during the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. The film explores Kerr’s struggles with life, relationships, and self-doubt. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr’s ex-girlfriend, wife, and former wife, Dawn Staples, as she navigates the turbulent world of a champion fighter.
Notable Producers
In addition to Safdie, the producers of The Smashing Machine include Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia for Seven Bucks Productions, David Koplan, and Eli Bush. Johnson, who plays the lead role in the film, made a special trip to Cannes to engage with potential buyers and discuss the project. Kerr, the real-life inspiration behind the film, is a decorated former wrestler and mixed martial artist with an impressive list of accolades.
The movie’s title, The Smashing Machine, is borrowed from a 2003 HBO documentary that delved into Kerr’s career in MMA, including his bouts in Vale Tudo, the UFC, and PRIDE. The film aims to capture the essence of Kerr’s journey as a fighter and the personal challenges he faced along the way.
Dwayne Johnson’s involvement in The Smashing Machine has been instrumental in generating interest and securing deals for the film’s distribution. The collaboration between talented individuals in the film industry promises an exciting and captivating cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.