The MMA community is buzzing as Dwayne Johnson will take up the mantle to play UFC legend Mark Kerr.͏ The film is a departure from Johnson’s typical roles, depicting the true story of an MMA fighter who overcame a tumultuous past marked by addiction. Portraying ‘The Smashing Machine’ and his complex character will undoubtedly be a tough endeavor for ‘The Rock’. 

Johnson’s dedication to this role is being highly praised, with sources reporting that he’s reached a new level of intensity in his performance. Alongside him, veteran actress Emily Blunt portrays the character of Dawn, Mark Kerr’s wife. Blunt’s enthusiasm for the project is also evident, even leading to MMA legend and co-star Bas Rutten telling her to “get the hell out of here.” during a particularly intense discussion about the script. But do not worry as this interaction was all in good faith.

Rutten was recently a guest on the ‘Overdogs’ podcast, where he was asked how his co-actors were preparing for their respective roles. He was thrilled to answer as Johnson’s transformation to Kerr was unrecognizable while Emily’s desire to connect with Dawn Staples to gain deeper insights into the character was a testament to her dedication. Rutten spoke on the same and recalled a humorous incident. 

He said, “You’ll see things like when you read the script It’s like your stomach turns when it was toxic. Let me call it that. And then the way, Emily Blunt, like, she just got it all. Nomination for Oppenheimer, she’s a fantastic actress. So she was talking to me about Dawn. She wanted information about Dawn, but I never talked to her. I said ‘Get the hell out of this place.’ that’s the only thing I said to her. Because she was insane, she was just insane, but she talked to her and got all the information.”

This marks the second collaboration between Blunt and Johnson, following their successful pairing in Disney’s 2021 film ‘Jungle Cruise’. ‘The Rock’ expressed his excitement to work with the English actress for his new project. He said, “It’s much different than what we did with ‘Jungle Cruise,’ but I got to tell you there is no greater partner in our industry than Emily who I would want to have to rip this thing open. This is a long time coming, man. It’s with A24 and we’ll shoot that next. I can’t wait.”

The film is certainly expected to deliver and Johnson went so far as to train with Mark Kerr himself. By doing so, ‘The Final Boss’ is immersing himself in the character’s world.

Dwayne Johnson trains with Mark Kerr for his biopic ‘The Smashing Machine’

Dwayne Johnson shared photos from the final day of his intense training regimen for the biopic. Notably, Mark Kerr himself was present, along with the rest of the film’s production team to witness Johnson’s dedication to the role.

The former WWE icon even thanked the legend who he is set to play on the screen. “My training camp became complete when the man himself, Mark Kerr @markkerrtsm trained with us.” wrote Dwayne Johnson. ‘The Brahma Bull’ was also surprised by the sheer athleticism Kerr possessed even at the age of 55 as he moved with lightning-fast agility. He said, “He’s still a fu—-g machine, that can close the distance with scary speed and power”

In the end, he thanked the former NCAA, UFC & VALE TUDO Heavyweight champion for his assistance and stated that he would be making the best out of his role. How do you feel about Kerr being immortalized on the silver screen? Are you excited about Johnson’s latest endeavor? Drop your comments below!