Emily Blunt to Star Opposite Dwayne Johnson in THE SMASHING MACHINE

Emily Blunt is in negotiations to reunite with Dwayne Johnson in his next film project, The Smashing Machine. The two previously worked together on Disney’s Jungle Cruise. Johnson is set to play legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the project, which was written by Uncut Gems co-writer and co-director Benny Safdie and the story is set in the no-holds-barred era of the UFC.

If cast, Blunt would play Dawn Staples, “the new wife to MMA champion Mark Kerr. While trying to set up a life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world.”

The movie will follow Kerr’s struggle with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000. Mark Kerr is a former mixed martial artist renowned for his dominance during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Kerr achieved widespread recognition for his exceptional wrestling skills and brute strength, making him a formidable force in the sport.

He competed in various promotions, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Pride Fighting Championships, where he earned the nickname "The Smashing Machine" for his aggressive fighting style. Kerr's career saw him win several prestigious tournaments and titles. During his MMA career he was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride FC Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, 1994 National Freestyle Champion and four-time ADCC World Submission Champion, solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport's history. However, he grappled with personal struggles and injuries that eventually led to his retirement. Mark Kerr's impact on the world of MMA remains significant, and he continues to be remembered as a true pioneer of the sport.

Kerr was the subject of the 2003 HBO documentary The Smashing Machine, which detailed his MMA career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC and Pride. This is a great project for Johnson and it will allow him the opportunity to actually showcase his acting sckills.

Noah Sacco of A24 said in a statement: “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.”