Emily Blunt Set to Join Dwayne Johnson in Benny Safdie’s MMA Drama ‘The Smashing Machine’

Fans will apparently once again get to witness the sparkling chemistry between Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson in the upcoming film, “The Smashing Machine” by Benny Safdie. The film will also mark Benny’s solo directorial debut. This will not only witness the reunion of Blunt and Johnson, but the project will also reunite Blunt and Safdie after their previous acting collaboration in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” 

“The Smashing Machine” is based on the life of Mark Kerr. The synopsis of the film reads, “‘The Smashing Machine’ is a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love, and friendship in the year 2000.”

Produced by Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions along with Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, Eli Bush and David Koplan, this upcoming feature film is a remake of the 2002 documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.” The film will begin production this summer.

All about the upcoming MMA Drama ‘The Smashing Machine’ including Emily Blunt’s casting

While the involvement of Dwayne Johnson as the lead protagonist, Mark Kerr, is confirmed, Oscar-nominated actress Emily Blunt is in talks to join the film. She will be portraying Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. Giving a little insight into her character the studio revealed, “While trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world.”

Blunt is not only a potential candidate to feature in the film but also a crucial element for the inception of the film. Previously, during an interview with Variety, Johnson reflected on how Blunt is the main reason why the film is being made.  In 2019, Johnson and Safdie decided to work on the project, however, they fell out of touch, leading to a hiatus in the project, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Years later, the topic of making the film once again came up when Johnson was on call with Blunt. Johnson opened up to her about his desire to reconnect with the project and play Kerr. When Blunt watched the 2002 documentary, she encouraged Johnson, saying, “You must make this movie.”             

She not only motivated Johnson but even encouraged Safdie to work on their planned project. The conversation struck between them when they were shooting for “Oppenheimer,” and Johnson’s name came up. 

Describing his attraction to the project, Johnson told Variety, “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 humanity and explore struggle [and] pain.”

Kerr, an American former wrestler and MMA icon, was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Throughout his career, he won over two dozen MMA titles.