After recently taking downTyson Furyas an underdog, the new Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion’s big week just got even better. A new report fromDeadlinerevealed thatOleksandr Usykhas officially joined the cast ofThe Smashing Machine, starringDwayne “The Rock” JohnsonandEmily Blunt.Benny Safdie, best known for directingUncut Gems(gambling thriller starringAdam Sandler) andGood Time(heist drama starringRobert Pattinson) will write and directThe Smashing Machine. The movie is based on UFC fighterMark Kerr(Johnson), who struggled with problems of addiction, love, and friendship throughout his career.
Production on the A24 film recently began whenJohnson revealed the first-look photo of himself as the MMA fighter Kerr. Fans have remarked that Johnson is unrecognizable in the role, which has generated excitement to see him take on a project the likes of which his career has never seen.The Smashing Machinewill be Usyk’s acting debut, and he will play another MMA legend,Igor Vovchanchyn, one of Kerr’s toughest opponents, who he fought on July 16, 2025. After A24’s success withThe Iron Claw, which starsZac EfronandJeremy Allen Whiteas members of the Von Erich family, fans have dubbedThe Smashing Machinethe next sports project with the potential to make a similar splash.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Is Broadening His Horizons
Johnson has a chance to silence his biggest critics by putting on a career-best performance inThe Smashing Machine. It’s no secret one of his biggest criticisms over the years has been that he essentially plays the same character in all of his movies. Whether you’re a fan of his work or not, it’s hard to deny that there is some validity to the statement after examining his filmography. Between climbing through vines in a jungle inJumanjiand flying around as a Superhero inBlack Adam, fans have seen Johnson as the strapping, muscular good guy who uses his fists more than his words plenty of times. Just by agreeing to portray a complex real-life figure such as Kerr in anA24film, Johnson has shown a willingness to diversify his acting portfolio, which, at the very least, is something to be excited about going forward.
The Smashing Machinedoes not yet have an official release date, but is expected in theaters in 2025. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates of the film, and check out Johnson inBlack Adam, now streaming onMax.
Black Adam
In Black Adam, an ancient super-powered being emerges in the present day, bringing with him a unique sense of justice. As he grapples with his own nature and new-world challenges, he faces opposition from heroes and enemies alike, leading to a confrontation that could reshape paradigms of power.
WATCH ON MAX
