Dwayne Johnson is ready to star as a legendary UFC fighter in a new A24 film. The acclaimed actor will be featuring as and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) legend Mark Kerr in the upcoming sports drama, The Smashing Machine.
Kerr earned the nickname The Smashing Machine due to his free-fighting style. And that’s why the movie’s title is based on the same name. Johnson’s production company, Seven Bucks Productions, is co-producing this movie.
A24 will produce and seek the finances, whereas Benny Safdie will direct the feature. The talks of the movie have just started making headlines, and an insider already remarked that Johnson could get an Oscar nod for the film.
Insider Said Dwayne Johnson Could Win Oscar Nomination For The Upcoming Sports Drama
In an interview with John Rocha, industry insider Jeff Sneider said that Dwayne Johnson‘s upcoming sports drama could get him an Oscar nomination. The insider said:
“I think congratulations to Dwayne for finally seeing the like and realizing this is what you should have been doing hour long. Something like this. This could get Rock an Oscar nomination. Who knows?.”
He continued, “It does sound like a great story.“ So, it makes sense why the whole point of Sneider looks totally valid.
The Smashing Machine is Worth Fetching An Oscar Nod
It started back in 2019 when Seven Bucks Productions secured the right to the biopic. This film takes direct inspiration from HBO’s 2002 documentary, The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.
And now, Johnson is ready to play the main character, and Safdie is ready to helm the film. Johnson is no stranger to featuring in sports movies. The Hollywood star had starred in sports films like Gridiron Gang and Fighting With My Family. So, The Rock’s presence will make this movie an epic, and there’s no doubt it could also fetch an Oscar nod.
In a statement with Variety, A24’s head of film, Noah Sacco, said it’s Johnson’s “most dramatic project and role yet.” He also added:
“Dwayne and Benny are singular talents, and their shared vision for Mark’s inspiring story is electrifying. We are deeply honored to have their trust as collaborators in bringing this incredibly special project to life.”
The film not only looks into Kerr’s career but will also chronicle his issues with substance abuse, romantic life, and friendships. The release date of the film is not confirmed yet.
