thelesterlee
Dwayne Johnson—famous for critically acclaimed cinema like Pain & Gain and Black Adam—has linked up with Benny Safdie—the director of Uncut Gems—and A24 studios, to tell the story of UFC legend, Mark Kerr.
Here’s what The Rock said about working with Benny Safdie:
“Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting. I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain.”
Dwayne is basically saying he’s at the point in his career where he wants Oscar voters to see his films and after watching this trailer, it looks like he’s linked up with the right team to make that dream a reality.
Totally understand his unwillingness to continue showing up in WWE rings when he’s about to make a serious Academy Award push. You never see George Clooney or Viola Davis hanging around John Cena’s jorts come award season.
Who is Mark Kerr?
Mark Kerr was an MMA fighter who won 4 ADCC World Championships. He’s won gold medals. He has an NCAA wrestling championship on the mantle as well.
But Kerr was most famous for a 2002 documentary called “The Smashing Machine” that chronicled his substance abuse issues as well as his venomous relationship with his wife, Dawn Staples—played by Emily Blunt in this new movie.
“The Smashing Machine” comes to theaters on Oct. 3 and I will be there front row watching The Rock try his little heart out to act.
If you enjoyed what you read, head over to our Substack. We’ve got more content making fun of the ridiculous world we live in, sent directly to your email inbox daily.
Follow us over on TikTok, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Or shoot me an email at Deadseriousmailbag@gmail.com. Let’s chat, bay-beeeee.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings