Smashing Machine, the biographical drama about fighter Mark Kerr, airs on Canal+ on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 21:06. Released in theaters on October 29, 2025, Benny Safdie's film pairs Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in a story inspired by the turbulent rise of one of the early leading figures in MMA.
The film revisits a pivotal chapter in Mark Kerr's life at the tail end of the 1990s. A former wrestler turned mixed martial arts standout, the American racks up tournament after tournament in Japan and fights some of the sport’s most intense bouts. Behind his raw power and his success in the ring, his career is undermined by opioid dependence, injuries, and mounting pressure to perform that becomes harder to bear.
Emily Blunt portrays Dawn Staples, the partner of the fighter. Their relationship is central to the story, and the film goes beyond simply recounting Mark Kerr's victories. It also examines how his career and his addictions affect their daily life, amid clashes, efforts to rebuild, and uncertainties about his future in the MMA.
Smashing Machine marks Benny Safdie’s first solo feature, following his collaborations with his brother Josh Safdie on Good Time and Uncut Gems. Shown in competition at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, the film earned him the Silver Lion for Best Director.
Dwayne Johnson reunites here with Emily Blunt, with whom he had previously shared the screen in Jungle Cruise. The actress, also seen in Oppenheimer, plays a character directly confronted with the consequences of Mark Kerr's career and his addictions.
The cast also includes several figures from combat sports, among them Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk. Their involvement helps depict the landscape of professional mixed martial arts at a moment when MMA was still taking shape and striving for greater recognition.
To go further, also discover our selection of films, series and shows to watch on TV this week, our guide to releases across all platforms, and today’s pick: What to watch today on streaming.
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