Emily Blunt in talks to star alongside Dwayne Johnson in ‘The Smashing Machine’
English actor Emily Blunt is in talks to re-team with her Jungle Cruise co-star Dwayne Johnson on The Smashing Machine.
The A24-backed biographical drama will be written and directed by Benny Safdie, drawing its inspiration from the 2002 documentary, The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr, helmed by John Hyams.
Johnson will star as the MMA legend in his first major dramatic role in years, with Blunt eying the part of Dawn Staples, Kerr’s new wife who struggles to make sense of the gruelling and brutal world her husband has decided to call home, per Variety.
Kerr called time on his career as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, a winner of the World Vale Tudo Championship, and Pride FC Heavyweight Champion. The latter came after he’d won the 1922 NCAA wrestling championships, and the National Freestyle championship among other accolades.
Kerr also battled substance addiction issues throughout his time as one of MMA’s most popular figures. The Smashing Machine promising to offer a no-holds-barred look at the highs and lows of its subject’s success in a similar vein to the documentary from which it takes its cues.
Johnson will produce as well as leading the cast having optioned the rights to Kerr’s life story in 2019, with Blunt providing a familiar scene partner after their collaboration on the aforementioned Disney blockbuster. Beyond that, he is also set to produce Blunt’s upcoming turn as pioneering female detective Kate Warne, and it was the Oppenheimer star who connected Johnson with Safdie to begin with.
In a statement, A24’s Noah Sacc previously said: “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.”
Watch the trailer for the original documentary below.
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