Dwayne Johnson's Size Still Not Enough for Mark Kerr Role, Director Said Geca FloresSeptember 2, 2025 at 3:00 AM Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Dwayne Johnson isn't backing down from any challenge, even if it means getting bulkier than ever.
- - Dwayne Johnson's Size Still Not Enough for Mark Kerr Role, Director Said
Geca FloresSeptember 2, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Dwayne Johnson isn't backing down from any challenge, even if it means getting bulkier than ever.
The 53-year-old star headlines the upcoming biopic The Smashing Machine, which tells the story of UFC legend Mark Kerr, from the peak of his career to facing personal hardships along the way. To fully embody the two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, he underwent intense physical transformations.
In an interview with E!, the cast got candid as they talked about the preparations that went into bringing the film to life.
Director Benny Safdie revealed he requested the lead star to bulk up for the role.
"I cannot believe I even asked that," he said, adding, "I said 'Dwayne, I think you need to get a little..' and I was like 'how do I say this?..bigger… puffier.'"
The director praised Johnson's eagerness to take on the challenge.
Dwayne Johnson discusses his physical transformation to portray Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine." pic.twitter.com/pHeBdUKsJZ
— E! News (@enews) September 1, 2025
As for the actor, although it was a very familiar field for him, given that he is a WWE superstar, he was forced to adjust his training, which he embraced with full commitment.
"There was a very specific training," he said, discussing the changes that he had to go through to achieve Kerr's unique silhouette, "Mark, as an amateur wrestler, there are movements that he would do constantly all day that would just build certain fast-twitch muscles."
The Smashing Machine, set to officially hit theaters in October, also stars Emily Blunt as Kerr's girlfriend Dawn Staples.
With their strong chemistry, Johnson, also known by his ring name The Rock, credited the British actress for her encouragement.
"And from the beginning, from the time we worked on Jungle Cruise together, she really encouraged and believed in me, and said, 'You know, there's a place that you can put all this stuff that you have gone through as a kid . . . that place is what you love to do, which is acting," he shared during the film's press conference at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, as noted by IndieWire, adding "And you have me, let's do this together."
As mentioned, Blunt and The Rock worked together in the adventure fantasy film, but their friendship continued to the point that he considered her his "best friend."
"I'm very close with Emily and shared a lot of everything that I've gone through," Johnson revealed to the press.
He also added that the physical change went smoothly with the support of his co-star.
"So that transformation could not have happened without my best friend being there to support and encourage and just say 'You can do it,'" he shared.
Related: The Roses' Actress Admits 'Being Mean' to Co-Star Benedict Cumberbatch Was 'Enjoyable'
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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