A24
‘The Smashing Machine” appears to be a hit with critics. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson would portray MMA legend Mark Kerr in A24’s Smashing Machine.
Back in July, The Rock spoke about why he chose to play the role of Kerr in his upcoming movie.
“It was important to pay tribute to Mark because of the life he lived…MMA moves fast, and it’s an accelerated sport. Everyone is getting better and better every day, and we found that out making this movie, so what an opportunity for us to acknowledge Mark and the road that he paved for others.”
@jzosports The Rock praises MMA legend Mark Kerr at UFC Hall OF Fame #markkerr .#ufc #thesmashingmachine #therock
Over the weekend, A24 screened The Smashing Machine at the Venice Film Festival, and The Rock has gotten rave reviews for his acting.
‘THE SMASHING MACHINE’ featuring Dwayne Johnson debuts at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
Some are describing it as his best performance to date pic.twitter.com/fsC6tpPyey
— ScreenTime (@screentime) September 1, 2025
“This is the most raw and vulnerable that Johnson has ever been on screen. Once you’ve seen him this exposed, you won’t watch his typical action movie stunts in quite the same way ever again,” said Geoffrey McNab of The Independent.
“The Smashing Machine is more than just another sports biopic, examining what makes or breaks us as humans through a spectacular lead performance from Dwayne Johnson.” said Yasmine Kandil of Discussing Film.
The Smashing Release is set to release in theaters on October 3rd in the United States.