New Trailer Released for ‘The Smashing Machine’ Following Outstanding Venice Premiere – Starring Benny Safdie, Dwayne Johnson, and Emily Blunt

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in the upcoming sports drama The Smashing Machine, and the new trailer for the film has just been released. The movie tells the story of former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr and his rise in the world of mixed martial arts.

The film is written, directed, co-produced, and edited by Benny Safdie. Johnson plays Kerr, while Blunt portrays his wife at the time, Dawn Staples. Other fighters like Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk appear in supporting roles, bringing real-life MMA figures to the screen.

According to A24, the movie had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, where it won the Silver Lion for Best Director.

Filming took place from May to August 2024, with locations including New Mexico, Tokyo, and Vancouver. The score for the movie was composed by Belgian musician Nala Sinephro.

The trailer shows Johnson and Blunt bringing the emotional and intense story of Kerr’s career to life. It highlights the struggles, victories, and personal moments of a fighter trying to make his mark in a brutal sport.

Critics are responding positively to the film. On Rotten Tomatoes, 82% of 34 reviews are favorable, while Metacritic gave it a score of 75 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. It is set to be released in the United States by A24 on October 3.

The Smashing Machine looks like a strong mix of real-life drama and thrilling sports action. With Johnson and Blunt leading the cast, and Safdie directing, it promises to be an intense and emotional ride for both MMA fans and general audiences. What do you think about this upcoming film? Share your thoughts in the comments.