Dwayne Johnson’s appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in May to promote A24’s MMA fighting drama, The Smashing Machine, has proven to be a fruitful endeavor. A24 has announced a series of distribution deals for the film, which stars Johnson as the legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The biopic, which recently finished production in Japan, is set for a U.S. release in 2025.
The International Distribution Lineup
The Smashing Machine has already secured distribution deals with key partners across the globe. Entertainment Film Distributors will handle the film’s release in the UK, while VVS will distribute it in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Zinc & Bac will bring the movie to audiences in France, and Leonine will handle Germany and Austria. Additional territories secured include Switzerland, Japan, Latin America, Spain, South Africa, Scandinavia, Benelux, Italy, China, South Korea, CIS, CEE, Ukraine, the Middle East, Israel, Baltics, Turkey, and Portugal.
The Smashing Machine is written, directed, and produced by Benny Safdie, known for his work on Uncut Gems and Good Time. A24 is onboard as the producer and financier of the project. The film chronicles the life and career of MMA fighter Mark Kerr during the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. It offers an intimate look at Kerr’s struggles with identity, relationships, and the demands of his profession. Joining the cast is Emily Blunt, portraying Kerr’s significant other, Dawn Staples.
The Production Team
In addition to Safdie, producers on The Smashing Machine include Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia for Seven Bucks Productions, David Koplan, and Eli Bush. Johnson, a key figure in the project, made a special trip to Cannes to engage with potential buyers and generate buzz around the film. Kerr’s impressive background as a wrestler and mixed martial artist adds an authentic touch to the movie, drawing on his accomplishments in various competitions.
The title of the film, The Smashing Machine, pays homage to the 2003 HBO documentary that delved into Kerr’s career in MMA. As a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship winner, PRIDE FC Heavyweight Champion, and multi-time wrestling champion, Kerr’s story is both inspiring and complex. The upcoming biopic promises to capture the highs and lows of his journey in the world of competitive fighting.
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