The movie centres on the life of mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr, focusing on his personal struggles with addiction and his career.
SVOD platform StarzPlay has announced the exclusive regional premiere of The Smashing Machine, a feature film starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. The announcement was made during the live stream of the UFC 321 event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The film will debut on December 1, coinciding with the UAE’s 54th National Day weekend.
Inspired by a true story, The Smashing Machine chronicles the life of MMA legend Mark Kerr, one of the most formidable fighters in the early years of the UFC, while delving into his personal struggles beyond the octagon. At the height of his fame, Kerr faces addiction, physical pain and the psychological strain of success, as his relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples (portrayed by Emily Blunt), begins to deteriorate under mounting pressure.
Directed by Benny Safdie, the film delivers a raw and deeply emotional exploration of the sacrifices behind athletic glory — where triumph and self-destruction coexist. In what critics are already describing as one of his most intense and transformative performances, Dwayne Johnson takes on a complex dramatic role, revealing a side of himself audiences have rarely seen.
The Smashing Machine will stream exclusively on StarzPlay starting December 1, marking a major addition to the platform’s growing slate of premium content and celebrating a milestone moment for viewers across the region during the UAE National Day weekend.
