Dwayne Johnson looks unrecognizable in dramatic transformation as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in first look of The Smashing Machine, see photo

Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock is gearing up for a dramatic transformation in his upcoming A24 film, The Smashing Machine. Directed by Benny Safdie and reuniting Johnson with his Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt, the movie delves into the life of legendary mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Mark Kerr.

Dwayne Johnson looks unrecognizable in dramatic transformation as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in first look of The Smashing Machine, see photo

The first look at Johnson in character has generated buzz due to his near-unrecognizable appearance. While still sporting his characteristic muscular physique, Johnson appears to be sporting prosthetics on his face to fully embody Kerr. This dedication to portraying Kerr accurately reflects the fighter's storied career, which included two UFC Heavyweight Tournament Championships and a World Vale Tudo Championship win, alongside over two dozen MMA titles.

First look at Benny Safdie’s THE SMASHING MACHINE starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV

— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024

The Smashing Machine marks a significant milestone for Benny Safdie, signifying his solo feature directorial debut. Interestingly, Safdie also shared the screen with Blunt in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer.

In a previous interview with Variety, Johnson expressed his attraction to the project due to Safdie's commitment to "raw and real" storytelling. Johnson elaborated, “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.”

Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia's Seven Bucks Productions will join forces with Safdie's Out for the Count banner, alongside Eli Bush and David Koplan to bankroll the film. While a release date remains under wraps, anticipation is already building for The Smashing Machine.