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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Dominique Hines

The incredible truth behind Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's new role: The real story behind The Smashing Machine

Mark Kerr Dwayne Johnson Dwayne The Rock Johnson Emily Blunt Dawn Staples Eric Zachanowich Mark Coleman MMA Addiction UFC

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson isn’t just flexing for the camera this time... he’s stepping into the shoes of UFC legend Mark Kerr, a fighter whose life inside and outside the cage reads like a thriller.

The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie of Uncut Gems fame and co-starring Emily Blunt as Kerr’s wife Dawn Staples, has already caused a stir at the Venice Film Festival, winning a Silver Lion and sparking early Oscar buzz.

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