The Smashing Machine Trailer: Benny Safdie Revives Dwayne Johnson’s Career in MMA Biopic

      Six years after Uncut Gems, Josh and Benny Safdie have taken different directions—both are poised to release significant new films from A24 this autumn. Before Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme debuts on Christmas Day, Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine will be in theaters starting October 3. A24 is kicking off the promotion early, with the intense first trailer now available online.

      The film serves as a much-needed career revival for Dwayne Johnson and also reunites him with Emily Blunt from Jungle Cruise. It tells the story of legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr, who dealt with addiction and a tumultuous marriage to Dawn Staples (played by Blunt).

      “Benny strives to innovate and consistently challenges boundaries with his storytelling, highlighting raw and real narratives, as well as authentic characters that can be uncomfortable and gripping,” Johnson shared with Variety. “I’m at a stage in my career where I want to challenge myself in ways I haven’t before. I want to create films that are significant, that delve into humanity and examine struggle [and] pain.”

      Check out the first trailer and poster below.