
Dwayne Johnson and Mark Kerr Bring the House Down with Emotional Ovation for 'The Smashing Machine'
2025-09-02
Author: Ying
Dwayne Johnson and Mark Kerr have scored a monumental triumph with their latest film, 'The Smashing Machine.'
At the prestigious Venice Film Festival, the biopic, which features Johnson portraying the tumultuous life of UFC champion Mark Kerr, was met with a staggering 15-minute standing ovation. The heartfelt response from the audience had both Johnson and Kerr, along with director Benny Safdie, in tears as they embraced the overwhelming appreciation.
Check out the unforgettable moment captured on video below.
Set to hit theaters on October 3, 'The Smashing Machine' delves into Kerr's journey as a two-time UFC tournament champion, showcasing his profound challenges inside and outside the octagon. Early reviews have been glowing, especially for Johnson's transformative performance. The Hollywood superstar shared with Vanity Fair his intense preparation, stating, 'I sat in front of that mirror for three to four hours to watch it all change.' He detailed the extensive use of prosthetics, saying, 'There were about 13 or 14 different prosthetics. Subtle, yet very impactful.' By the time filming began, he felt like he had fully embraced Kerr's persona, influencing everything from his walk to his outlook on life.
The film has not only received accolades, but it’s also been nominated for the highly coveted Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival, with Johnson's performance drawing particular praise. Co-starring alongside him is Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt, as well as MMA icons like Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and boxing champ Oleksandr Usyk, further bridging the worlds of Hollywood and combat sports.
Mark Kerr, now 56 years old with a record of 15 wins, 11 losses, and 1 no contest, made his mark in the UFC back in 1997, winning two heavyweight tournaments before transitioning to Japan’s PRIDE promotion. This past June, he proudly entered the UFC Hall of Fame’s Pioneer Wing, solidifying his legacy in the world of mixed martial arts.