Question 1

Which real-life MMA figures play themselves in The Smashing Machine?

Accepted Answer

Bas Rutten, Mark Kerr's former coach and friend, plays himself, as does Stephen 'The Fight Professor' Quadros, a former PRIDE commentator.

Question 2

How did Dwayne Johnson transform into Mark Kerr for the film?

Accepted Answer

Each day required three to four hours of makeup and 21 prosthetics by Oscar winner Kazu Hiro. Johnson also worked with a voice coach to adopt Kerr's soft, tender voice.

Question 3

What happened during the PRIDE fight scene between Mark Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita?

Accepted Answer

Dwayne Johnson insisted on being hit for real. Actor Yoko Hamamura initially refused but was talked into it by Benny Safdie, ultimately giving Johnson a concussion for an authentic dazed look.

Question 4

How does Dwayne Johnson's age compare to the real Mark Kerr during the film's events?

Accepted Answer

The Rock is only three years younger than the real-life Mark Kerr, while the film covers Kerr's MMA career in his 30s.

Question 5

Which festivals and awards has The Smashing Machine been associated with?

Accepted Answer

It screened at the Stockholm, Toronto, and Venice film festivals in 2025, and received Golden Globes and Academy Awards in 2026.

Loved this film?

Share with others

Loved this film?

Share with others

The Smashing Machine

Customers also watched