In a surprising first look, Dwayne Johnson appears nearly unrecognizable as he takes on the role of legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the upcoming A24 drama, "The Smashing Machine". Directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring his "Jungle Cruise" screen partner Emily Blunt, the film delves into Kerr's life as he struggled with addiction and his marriage while becoming an icon of the sport.

Sporting facial prosthetics to embody the MMA legend, Johnson's transformation is evident in the sneak peek image. Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, achieved remarkable success in his career, boasting over two dozen MMA titles.

"The Smashing Machine" marks Safdie's solo feature directorial debut, following his collaboration with his brother Josh on indie hits like "Good Time" and "Uncut Gems". Safdie also acted alongside Blunt in Christopher Nolan's film, "Oppenheimer". The project initially took shape when Johnson and Safdie connected in 2019 but had to be put on hold due to the pandemic.

Years later, Johnson and Blunt reconnected and discussed the documentary "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr". Inspired by Blunt's suggestion, Johnson was motivated to bring Kerr's story to the big screen. He expressed his attraction to the project, stating that Safdie's desire to create raw and authentic stories resonated with him. Johnson is determined to push himself and make films that explore humanity, struggle, and pain.

Produced by A24, "The Smashing Machine" has yet to announce a release date. As fans eagerly await the unveiling of this gripping drama, the film promises to deliver a captivating portrayal of an MMA icon and the challenges he faced both inside and outside the ring.