Dwayne Johnson is nearly unrecognizable in the first look at his upcoming A24 drama “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring his “Jungle Cruise” screen partner Emily Blunt. The film casts Johnson as legendary Mma fighter Mark Kerr, who struggled with addiction and his marriage while becoming an icon of the sport. Blunt is starring as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. The film is currently in production.
While Johnson looks typically ripped as Kerr in “The Smashing Machine” first look, he also appears to be sporting some facial prosthetics to help him transform into the Mma legend. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Over the course of his career, he won over two dozen Mma titles.
“The Smashing Machine” marks the solo feature directorial debut of Safdie, who collaborated with his brother Josh on A24’s indie hits such...
While Johnson looks typically ripped as Kerr in “The Smashing Machine” first look, he also appears to be sporting some facial prosthetics to help him transform into the Mma legend. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Over the course of his career, he won over two dozen Mma titles.
“The Smashing Machine” marks the solo feature directorial debut of Safdie, who collaborated with his brother Josh on A24’s indie hits such...
- 5/21/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Emily Blunt has entered into talks to join Dwayne Johnson yet again on the cast of Benny Safdie’s Mma drama ‘The Smashing Machine.’
Blunt is in talks to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. As per the description her character will see her trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world. Johnson will take on the role of Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr. The move marks Johnson’s first dabble at a serious drama.
Also in news – Guy Ritchie set for ‘Ray Donovan’ spin-off series ‘The Donovans’
The feature is based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.
Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions will produce...
Blunt is in talks to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. As per the description her character will see her trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world. Johnson will take on the role of Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr. The move marks Johnson’s first dabble at a serious drama.
Also in news – Guy Ritchie set for ‘Ray Donovan’ spin-off series ‘The Donovans’
The feature is based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.
Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions will produce...
- 3/1/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Actress Emily Blunt is currently in talks to feature in the upcoming film ‘The Smashing Machine’ starring Dwyane Johnson. The Academy Award-nominated actress would essay the role of Dawn Staples, the new wife to legendary Mma fighter Mark Kerr.
The story is about how Dawn struggles to find her place within Champion’s chaotic and contradictory world while trying to set up a life together, as reported by deadline.com.
‘The Smashing Machine’ is a drama based on the story of Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. He struggles with winning, relationships, substance abuse and friendship, set in the year 2000.
Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, 1994 National Freestyle Champion and 4x Adcc World Submission Champion.
The Mma fighter was also a subject of a documentary titled ‘The Smashing Machine...
The story is about how Dawn struggles to find her place within Champion’s chaotic and contradictory world while trying to set up a life together, as reported by deadline.com.
‘The Smashing Machine’ is a drama based on the story of Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. He struggles with winning, relationships, substance abuse and friendship, set in the year 2000.
Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, 1994 National Freestyle Champion and 4x Adcc World Submission Champion.
The Mma fighter was also a subject of a documentary titled ‘The Smashing Machine...
- 3/1/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Negotiations are underway to bring Academy Award-nominated Emily Blunt to the Dwayne Johnson film vehicle The Smashing Machine.
Blunt would play Dawn Staples, the new wife to Mma champion Mark Kerr. While trying to set up a life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world.
The film is a drama based on the story of Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. He struggles with addiction, winning, love, and friendship, set in the year 2000.
During his Mma career, Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, 1994 National Freestyle Champion and 4x Adcc World Submission Champion.
In 2003, Kerr was the subject of an HBO documentary titled The Smashing Machine, which detailed his Mma career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC and Pride.
The film...
Blunt would play Dawn Staples, the new wife to Mma champion Mark Kerr. While trying to set up a life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world.
The film is a drama based on the story of Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. He struggles with addiction, winning, love, and friendship, set in the year 2000.
During his Mma career, Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, 1994 National Freestyle Champion and 4x Adcc World Submission Champion.
In 2003, Kerr was the subject of an HBO documentary titled The Smashing Machine, which detailed his Mma career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC and Pride.
The film...
- 3/1/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson are in conversations to share the screen again.
The actors linked up onscreen for Disney’s 2021 thriller Jungle Cruise. A sequel for the movie is said to be in the works, but details have been scarce.
However, Emily is reportedly in the running to star alongside Dwayne in the actor’s new movie The Smashing Machine.
Read more about the pair’s potential reunion…
The Hollywood Reporter announced that Emily might play Dawn Staples, who is married to UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion Mark Kerr, in the movie. Dwayne will bring Mark to life.
The movie will be written and directed by Benny Safdie, and Dwayne has been involved in the preparations since 2019. He will also sign on as a producer.
We’ll update you as we learn more about the role!
Did you see that Emily recently reunited with two other costars?!
Meanwhile, Dwayne confirmed...
The actors linked up onscreen for Disney’s 2021 thriller Jungle Cruise. A sequel for the movie is said to be in the works, but details have been scarce.
However, Emily is reportedly in the running to star alongside Dwayne in the actor’s new movie The Smashing Machine.
Read more about the pair’s potential reunion…
The Hollywood Reporter announced that Emily might play Dawn Staples, who is married to UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion Mark Kerr, in the movie. Dwayne will bring Mark to life.
The movie will be written and directed by Benny Safdie, and Dwayne has been involved in the preparations since 2019. He will also sign on as a producer.
We’ll update you as we learn more about the role!
Did you see that Emily recently reunited with two other costars?!
Meanwhile, Dwayne confirmed...
- 2/29/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
A “Jungle Cruise” reunion is in the works, and, no, it’s not “Jungle Cruise 2.” Instead, Variety reports that the co-leads of the Disney film may reunite for Benny Safdie‘s Mma biopic “The Smashing Machine,” with Emily Blunt in final talks to join the picture. Dwayne Johnson was already aboard the project, Safdie’s solo directorial debut about Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr.
Continue reading ‘The Smashing Machine’: Emily Blunt In Talks To Join Dwayne Johnson For Benny Safdie’s Mma Biopic at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Smashing Machine’: Emily Blunt In Talks To Join Dwayne Johnson For Benny Safdie’s Mma Biopic at The Playlist.
- 2/29/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Update: Two days ago, watercoolers were abuzz with talk about Emily Blunt starring opposite Dwayne Johnson in A24 and Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine. Today, in the forthcoming film, Emily Blunt is officially in talks to play Dawn Staples, Mark Kerr’s (Johnson) wife. “While trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world,” said an A24 representative.
Emily Blunt and Benny Safdie are old friends after working alongside one another on Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Meanwhile, Blunt and Johnson embarked on an epic adventure in Disney’s Jungle Cruise.
Here’s the official synopsis for The Smashing Machine courtesy of A24:
“The Smashing Machine is a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction,...
Emily Blunt and Benny Safdie are old friends after working alongside one another on Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Meanwhile, Blunt and Johnson embarked on an epic adventure in Disney’s Jungle Cruise.
Here’s the official synopsis for The Smashing Machine courtesy of A24:
“The Smashing Machine is a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction,...
- 2/29/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Emily Blunt is in talks to join Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut “The Smashing Machine,” an A24 feature film starring Dwayne Johnson as Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr, Variety has confirmed. The film will begin production this summer.
Blunt is in talks to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. Per the studio, “While trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world.”
The project would reunite Blunt with both Safdie, with whom she starred in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” and Johnson, her co-star from Disney’s 2021 film “Jungle Cruise.”
The film’s logline reads, “‘The Smashing Machine’ is a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.”
Dwayne...
Blunt is in talks to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. Per the studio, “While trying to set up a new life together, Dawn struggles to find her place within Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world.”
The project would reunite Blunt with both Safdie, with whom she starred in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” and Johnson, her co-star from Disney’s 2021 film “Jungle Cruise.”
The film’s logline reads, “‘The Smashing Machine’ is a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.”
Dwayne...
- 2/29/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld and Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Emily Blunt is in talks to star opposite Dwayne Johnson in A24’s The Smashing Machine, which is written and directed by Benny Safdie.
Johnson is set to star in The Smashing Machine as real-life mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. Blunt would star as Dawn Staples, the new wife to Kerr. Safdie has been developing the project with Johnson, who notably started his career as a professional wrestler, since 2019.
A 2002 HBO doc also titled The Smashing Machine detailed Kerr’s professional career and his rise through the fighting world, as well as his battle with an addiction to pain killers that led to an overdose. Kerr earned the nickname “The Smashing Machine” with his no-holds-barred fighting style.
A24 will finance the film, as well as produce alongside Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, Eli Bush and David Koplan.
Johnson is set to star in The Smashing Machine as real-life mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. Blunt would star as Dawn Staples, the new wife to Kerr. Safdie has been developing the project with Johnson, who notably started his career as a professional wrestler, since 2019.
A 2002 HBO doc also titled The Smashing Machine detailed Kerr’s professional career and his rise through the fighting world, as well as his battle with an addiction to pain killers that led to an overdose. Kerr earned the nickname “The Smashing Machine” with his no-holds-barred fighting style.
A24 will finance the film, as well as produce alongside Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, Eli Bush and David Koplan.
- 2/29/2024
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dwayne Johnson’s career in both Hollywood as well as WWE seems to be going as on point as ever, and now he has yet another remarkable movie project on his plate. This one is an A24 biopic project encompassing the life story of the former UFC Champion Mark Kerr and is notably titled The Smashing Machine.
Dwayne Johnson in Red Notice
But what has set another exciting edge to this are the newly fetched reports that Johnson just might finally reunite with Emily Blunt for this film. This makes it even more special, considering how it was indeed Blunt who gave him the much-needed push to go for this movie in the first place — also the reason why fans can’t help but root for this duo.
SUGGESTEDNaruto Live Action Movie Must Cast Dwayne Johnson as Fan-favorite Character
Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine Will Co-Star Emily Blunt?
Emily...
Dwayne Johnson in Red Notice
But what has set another exciting edge to this are the newly fetched reports that Johnson just might finally reunite with Emily Blunt for this film. This makes it even more special, considering how it was indeed Blunt who gave him the much-needed push to go for this movie in the first place — also the reason why fans can’t help but root for this duo.
SUGGESTEDNaruto Live Action Movie Must Cast Dwayne Johnson as Fan-favorite Character
Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine Will Co-Star Emily Blunt?
Emily...
- 2/27/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
A wrestling legend producing a biopic about another wrestling legend? Dwayne Johnson is producing a film about Ric Flair called The Nature Boy.
Professional wrestling is a bit weird. From the overblown pageantry to the predetermined outcomes, it’s certainly unique, especially when you figure in the dark underbelly the strange hybrid of sport and entertainment possesses.
You may have seen in the news of late that Vince McMahon, the longtime billionaire owner of the WWE being the subject of intense media scrutiny having being accused of some particularly abominable behaviour. That may only be the tip of the iceberg, too.
The dark side of wrestling was previously explored in Barry Blaustein’s 1999 documentary, Beyond The Mat. In more recent years though, dramas such as Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler and this year’s The Iron Claw have explored the human cost of wrestling.
As well as being one of...
Professional wrestling is a bit weird. From the overblown pageantry to the predetermined outcomes, it’s certainly unique, especially when you figure in the dark underbelly the strange hybrid of sport and entertainment possesses.
You may have seen in the news of late that Vince McMahon, the longtime billionaire owner of the WWE being the subject of intense media scrutiny having being accused of some particularly abominable behaviour. That may only be the tip of the iceberg, too.
The dark side of wrestling was previously explored in Barry Blaustein’s 1999 documentary, Beyond The Mat. In more recent years though, dramas such as Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler and this year’s The Iron Claw have explored the human cost of wrestling.
As well as being one of...
- 2/26/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Up on Variety a few months ago, there was an interesting interview with the German distributor of the Expendables and John Wick movies. Fred Kogel, who runs Leonine Studios, noted that all the top action heroes now, Keanu Reeves, Sylvester Stallone, Tom Cruise, and Harrison Ford, are the same ones we had in the eighties and nineties. But with Stallone and Ford in their late seventies, who will be the new action stars when the icons are done with the genre? For his part, Kogel doesn’t believe distributors and studios have done enough to build up a new crop of action heroes, noting that for the older stars, there was “a great deal of identification with the type of the actor, with the physicality of the actor so that you could relate to that.” With CGI-laden superhero movies, Kogel believes that kind of identification is gone. “I think it...
- 2/24/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Adam Sandler is continuing his Safdie collaborations with another Netflix project.
While the “SNL” alum and Happy Madison mega-producer is set to star in the Safdie Brothers’ upcoming untitled sports memorabilia Netflix movie, Josh Safdie will direct Sandler in a stand-up comedy special for the streamer. The as-yet untitled special will be Sandler’s second for Netflix after his 2018 Emmy-nominated “100% Fresh.”
Sandler’s Netflix deal, which has been extended twice, produced films like “Leo,” “You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah,” “Hustle,” and two “Murder Mystery” movies. Sandler also stars in “Spaceman” alongside Carey Mulligan and Paul Dano; the feature will be released on Netflix March 1.
The Safdie Brothers have marked a creative split as of late, with Benny Safdie co-writing the Sandler-fronted sports movie but stepping away as co-director. Josh Safdie will solo direct.
Benny Safdie, who will make his own solo feature directorial debut with A24’s “The Smashing Machine,...
While the “SNL” alum and Happy Madison mega-producer is set to star in the Safdie Brothers’ upcoming untitled sports memorabilia Netflix movie, Josh Safdie will direct Sandler in a stand-up comedy special for the streamer. The as-yet untitled special will be Sandler’s second for Netflix after his 2018 Emmy-nominated “100% Fresh.”
Sandler’s Netflix deal, which has been extended twice, produced films like “Leo,” “You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah,” “Hustle,” and two “Murder Mystery” movies. Sandler also stars in “Spaceman” alongside Carey Mulligan and Paul Dano; the feature will be released on Netflix March 1.
The Safdie Brothers have marked a creative split as of late, with Benny Safdie co-writing the Sandler-fronted sports movie but stepping away as co-director. Josh Safdie will solo direct.
Benny Safdie, who will make his own solo feature directorial debut with A24’s “The Smashing Machine,...
- 2/12/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Lilly Wachowski is officially making her solo feature directorial debut after sister Lana Wachowski helmed “The Matrix Resurrections.”
As confirmed to Collider, Lilly will direct upcoming queer dramedy “Trash Mountain,” with lead actor Caleb Hearon penning the script. Colin Trevorrow has signed on as a producer, along with Eddie Vaisman and Julia Lebedev at Sight Unseen.
Per the official synopsis, “Trash Mountain” follows a gay Chicago man in his 20s who must return to rural Missouri to deal with the death of his father — an obsessive hoarder who has left a house full of items, some valuable and some not so, to pick through. “Human Resources” writer and “Fargo” actor Hearon cowrote the script with Ruby Caster.
“When my pal Caleb Hearon sent me ‘Trash Mountain,’ I leapt at the chance to direct it,” Lilly said in a statement. “So beautiful and sad and funny! Queer representation and stories are...
As confirmed to Collider, Lilly will direct upcoming queer dramedy “Trash Mountain,” with lead actor Caleb Hearon penning the script. Colin Trevorrow has signed on as a producer, along with Eddie Vaisman and Julia Lebedev at Sight Unseen.
Per the official synopsis, “Trash Mountain” follows a gay Chicago man in his 20s who must return to rural Missouri to deal with the death of his father — an obsessive hoarder who has left a house full of items, some valuable and some not so, to pick through. “Human Resources” writer and “Fargo” actor Hearon cowrote the script with Ruby Caster.
“When my pal Caleb Hearon sent me ‘Trash Mountain,’ I leapt at the chance to direct it,” Lilly said in a statement. “So beautiful and sad and funny! Queer representation and stories are...
- 2/12/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Rock is officially back in business with the WWE.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been appointed to the board of directors of Tko, the public company that owns the WWE and UFC. Tko announced Johnson’s appointment Tuesday morning.
In addition, the company is granting Johnson full ownership of his trademarked in-ring name “The Rock,” with the actor and entrepreneur inking a services and merchandising agreement with the company. Per an SEC filing, Tko will award Johnson a stock award valued at $30 million in connection with the agreement, vesting over time. Johnson will also still be able to collect royalties in connection with sales of “The Rock” merchandise.
Johnson, who is one of the biggest stars in WWE history, made a surprise appearance during WWE Monday Night Raw earlier in January, where he teased a possible feud with current world champion Roman Reigns.
“My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia,...
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been appointed to the board of directors of Tko, the public company that owns the WWE and UFC. Tko announced Johnson’s appointment Tuesday morning.
In addition, the company is granting Johnson full ownership of his trademarked in-ring name “The Rock,” with the actor and entrepreneur inking a services and merchandising agreement with the company. Per an SEC filing, Tko will award Johnson a stock award valued at $30 million in connection with the agreement, vesting over time. Johnson will also still be able to collect royalties in connection with sales of “The Rock” merchandise.
Johnson, who is one of the biggest stars in WWE history, made a surprise appearance during WWE Monday Night Raw earlier in January, where he teased a possible feud with current world champion Roman Reigns.
“My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It has almost been like a whirlwind for Benny Safdie after he and his brother, Josh, garnered much attention after making their acclaimed drama with Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems. In addition to directing with his brother, Benny had also explored being in front of the camera as well, when he co-starred in their breakout film, Good Time. Benny would also be seen in Oppenheimer alongside Cillian Murphy, as well as Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, and co-starring in Showtime’s dark comedy The Curse, which he executive produces with Nathan Fielder. Recently, it was announced Benny would be making an Mma drama with Dwayne Johnson for A24, titled The Smashing Machine.
As Benny’s career starts to flourish, he announces he and his brother have ended their directing collaboration, at least for now. Benny spoke with Variety about separating from his brother. He addresses the rumor about...
As Benny’s career starts to flourish, he announces he and his brother have ended their directing collaboration, at least for now. Benny spoke with Variety about separating from his brother. He addresses the rumor about...
- 1/5/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
As Dwayne Johnson heads to an A24 indie drama directed by Benny Safdie, the actor confirms he’s trying something new and more dramatic with his career.
In some welcome news at the end of last year, we learned that Dwayne Johnson would be working with acclaimed director Benny Safdie on (what we believe will be) an indie drama bought to us by A24.
While Johnson’s success in conquering Hollywood following a popular stint as a professional wrestler should never be overlooked, it’s fair to say that his career over the last decade has offered increasingly little in the way of challenge or interest as he has increasingly plumped for roles that might be deemed as ‘safe’ or (shudder) ‘brand-friendly.’
There’s even folks out there that speculate Johnson has been choosing bland films and characters so they won’t hurt the tequila business he often champions onscreen during his films.
In some welcome news at the end of last year, we learned that Dwayne Johnson would be working with acclaimed director Benny Safdie on (what we believe will be) an indie drama bought to us by A24.
While Johnson’s success in conquering Hollywood following a popular stint as a professional wrestler should never be overlooked, it’s fair to say that his career over the last decade has offered increasingly little in the way of challenge or interest as he has increasingly plumped for roles that might be deemed as ‘safe’ or (shudder) ‘brand-friendly.’
There’s even folks out there that speculate Johnson has been choosing bland films and characters so they won’t hurt the tequila business he often champions onscreen during his films.
- 1/5/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
The Safdie Brothers have parted ways, Benny Safdie has confirmed in a new interview with Variety.
“It’s a natural progression of what we each want to explore,” Safdie said about the creative team’s split, which he insisted is amicable. “I will direct on my own, and I will explore things that I want to explore. I want that freedom right now in my life.”
When pressed by Variety about when he’ll direct with Josh again, Safdie replied, “I don’t know.” For now at least, he’s bowed out of co-directing the follow-up to Uncut Gems, which Safdie said is “on pause” anyway.
Safdie most recently co-created the Showtime series The Curse — one of the best TV shows of 2023 — alongside Nathan Fielder. He also stars in the reality show satire alongside Fielder and Emma Stone following acting roles in Licorice Pizza, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Oppenheimer.
Next up,...
“It’s a natural progression of what we each want to explore,” Safdie said about the creative team’s split, which he insisted is amicable. “I will direct on my own, and I will explore things that I want to explore. I want that freedom right now in my life.”
When pressed by Variety about when he’ll direct with Josh again, Safdie replied, “I don’t know.” For now at least, he’s bowed out of co-directing the follow-up to Uncut Gems, which Safdie said is “on pause” anyway.
Safdie most recently co-created the Showtime series The Curse — one of the best TV shows of 2023 — alongside Nathan Fielder. He also stars in the reality show satire alongside Fielder and Emma Stone following acting roles in Licorice Pizza, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Oppenheimer.
Next up,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s decision to star in Benny Safdie’s upcoming solo directorial debut “The Smashing Machine” was a massive departure from his typical creative preferences. The wrestler-turned-actor became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars by prioritizing family friendly blockbusters that could attract all demographics. But “The Smashing Machine,” which is currently in development at A24, will see Johnson taking a darker, more personal approach to tell the story of Mark Kerr, the Mma legend who famously struggled with an addiction to painkillers.
In a new interview with Variety, Johnson recalled how the unlikely project came to fruition. Johnson explained that he and Safdie first began discussing a film about Kerr in 2019, when the actor’s Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights to Kerr’s life story. Safdie was also a fan, and reached out to Johnson about working together on the project. But when the Covid-19 pandemic hit,...
In a new interview with Variety, Johnson recalled how the unlikely project came to fruition. Johnson explained that he and Safdie first began discussing a film about Kerr in 2019, when the actor’s Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights to Kerr’s life story. Safdie was also a fan, and reached out to Johnson about working together on the project. But when the Covid-19 pandemic hit,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Dwayne Johnson might be jumping to A24 for Benny Safdie’s Mma drama The Smashing Machine, but he’s determined to stick to the roots that helped make him one of the biggest stars of the silver screen. In a featured article focusing on Safdie’s next project, Johnson told Variety he has no plans to abandon “four-quadrant movies” despite getting dramatic for his role as Mma fighter Mark Kerr in Safdie’s next film project with A24.
“I want to be clear not to say that this is an abandonment of big, four-quadrant movies,” Johnson told Variety about confronting his most dramatic role yet. “I love making them, and there is tremendous value and importance in [them] … but there’s a time and a place for them. I’m at this point in my career where I want more. And I don’t mean I want more box office. I mean I want more humanity.
“I want to be clear not to say that this is an abandonment of big, four-quadrant movies,” Johnson told Variety about confronting his most dramatic role yet. “I love making them, and there is tremendous value and importance in [them] … but there’s a time and a place for them. I’m at this point in my career where I want more. And I don’t mean I want more box office. I mean I want more humanity.
- 1/4/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
George Clooney and Adam Sandler have been set to star in Noah Baumbach’s next movie for Netflix which is currently untitled.
The project’s story is said to be a funny and emotional coming-of-age film about adults, but further plot details are yet to be revealed.
The feature marks the first time the A-list movie stars will be working together. Baumbach has an exclusive deal with Netflix having previously directed ‘The Meyerowitz Stories’ (New and Selected), which also starred Sandler, ‘Marriage Story’ and most recently ‘White Noise.’
Also in news – Dwayne Johnson set for Benny Safdie’s Mma movie ‘The Smashing Machine’
Baumbach also co-wrote the script with Emily Mortimer. Baumbach, Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing.
Clooney recently directed ‘Boys in the Boat‘ starring Calum Turner and Joel Edgerton. The film is set to be released this Christmas. He is also set to star opposite his ‘Ocean’s Eleven...
The project’s story is said to be a funny and emotional coming-of-age film about adults, but further plot details are yet to be revealed.
The feature marks the first time the A-list movie stars will be working together. Baumbach has an exclusive deal with Netflix having previously directed ‘The Meyerowitz Stories’ (New and Selected), which also starred Sandler, ‘Marriage Story’ and most recently ‘White Noise.’
Also in news – Dwayne Johnson set for Benny Safdie’s Mma movie ‘The Smashing Machine’
Baumbach also co-wrote the script with Emily Mortimer. Baumbach, Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing.
Clooney recently directed ‘Boys in the Boat‘ starring Calum Turner and Joel Edgerton. The film is set to be released this Christmas. He is also set to star opposite his ‘Ocean’s Eleven...
- 12/18/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
"Is it worth it to sacrifice one's mind and body for sport?" The first teaser trailer has debuted online for a documentary called The Hurt Business, from director Vlad Yudin (of Generation Iron), taking a look at Mma and the superstars of mixed martial arts. It's narrated by Kevin Costner and profiles the lives of a couple of major competitors, including Ronda Rousey and Jon Jones. The descriptions says it discusses the theme of injuries "both mental and physical" within Mma, and it also looks at just how dedicated these athletes are to this popular sport. Other great Mma docs include The Smashing Machine, Rickson Gracie: Choke, and Like Water about fighter Anderson Silva. Even if you're not a fan of Mma, this is worth a look. Here's the first trailer for Vlad Yudin's documentary The Hurt Business, direct from YouTube: From the producers of Bowling for Columbine,...
- 7/11/2016
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Universal Soldier began in 1992 before suffering from some tawdry sequels. Then John Hyams revived the franchise in spectacular fashion...
The Universal Soldier films are a strange case of life imitating art. Much like how series protagonist Luc Deveraux is killed in action then resurrected into something post-human, Universal was a pretty standard 90s action film which crashed and burned when it came to sequels, but became something unique and beautiful when it was reanimated for the straight to DVD market.
It’s a hushed secret among genre fans, but Universal Solder 3 and 4 (or possibly 5 and 6, it’s complicated) are some of the most remarkable action sci-fi films of the 21st century so far. Yes, really. I actually watched the series backwards when I first saw them, after being blown away by Universal Solder Day Of Reckoning and deciding to work my way back, and Roland Emmerich’s perfectly acceptable 1992 blockbuster...
The Universal Soldier films are a strange case of life imitating art. Much like how series protagonist Luc Deveraux is killed in action then resurrected into something post-human, Universal was a pretty standard 90s action film which crashed and burned when it came to sequels, but became something unique and beautiful when it was reanimated for the straight to DVD market.
It’s a hushed secret among genre fans, but Universal Solder 3 and 4 (or possibly 5 and 6, it’s complicated) are some of the most remarkable action sci-fi films of the 21st century so far. Yes, really. I actually watched the series backwards when I first saw them, after being blown away by Universal Solder Day Of Reckoning and deciding to work my way back, and Roland Emmerich’s perfectly acceptable 1992 blockbuster...
- 8/20/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
More than a decade ago, director John Hyams made a documentary about Mixed Martial Arts star Mark Kerr entitled The Smashing Machine. It was purchased by HBO and got wonderful reviews. A few years later, the material was re-written as a biopic, and Jean-Claude Van Damme was hired to play the lead. Then, just days before filming was to begin, the production was abruptly cancelled. At the time, the actor claimed he nixed the project because of creative differences, but if the dude who played Crixus on Spartacus is to be believed, that.s not what happened at all. Back in 2007, Manu Bennett was a completely unknown actor taking auditions in an attempt to catch a big break. He met with producers of The Smashing Machine, and they hired him to play a lead character who battled steroid problems. Not wanting to let anyone down, he decide to jump in...
- 5/5/2014
- cinemablend.com
Despite my lifelong affinity for the action genre, I'd never encountered the Universal Soldier franchise. Somewhere in the back of my head I knew of its reputation as a Terminator rip-off, but it wasn't until I read Vern's “Action Movies Don't Have to Suck” piece for the Village Voice that I was intrigued enough to seek out John Hyams'& Universal Soldier: Regeneration and Day of Reckoning. Hyams' elegant staging and disarming sincerity offer a refreshing alternative to the action adventure comic book slop dished out to teenagers and poked at by indifferent adult audiences that an entire generation of studio execs have chosen to ignore. Despite their relatively tiny budgets, Hyams' Universal Soldier movies, along with his other fictional feature, Dragon Eyes, are exquisite examples of digital cinema and personal storytelling. Rightfully, these movies should be dime store thrill rides, and in the best possible sense they are. They're also equal parts melodrama,...
- 1/23/2013
- by Sara Freeman
- MUBI
Universal Soldier: Regeneration established John Hyams as a director with serious trad action chops, an acuity for 'scope framing, a disarming sense of emotional gravity, and a fondness for big dilapidated spaces. Like Joe Carnahan's somewhat-similar (albeit more "realistic") The Grey, Regeneration is a surprisingly actorly action movie—especially strong in its use of Dolph Lundgren, an underrated actor if there ever was one—with a bleak moral palette. However, very unlike The Grey, Regeneration isn't especially talky—the performance come chiefly through looks and posture, which allows the acting to blend with the action.
Hyams' new film, Dragon Eyes, isn't an accomplishment on the level of Regeneration, and some of its flashy conceits—like the Guy Ritchie-esque on-screen titles, or the cartoonish color grading—never gel with Hyams' camera style. Still, it's, as they say, "not without its pleasures"—and many of those pleasures could teach bigger-budgeted...
Hyams' new film, Dragon Eyes, isn't an accomplishment on the level of Regeneration, and some of its flashy conceits—like the Guy Ritchie-esque on-screen titles, or the cartoonish color grading—never gel with Hyams' camera style. Still, it's, as they say, "not without its pleasures"—and many of those pleasures could teach bigger-budgeted...
- 5/27/2012
- MUBI
There has been no shortage of Mma documentaries released over the past few years, which only makes sense considering the current popularity of the sport. However, up until now, there has not been a single, definitive doc on the subject. Probably the highest profile one was John Hyams' The Smashing Machine, which focused on Mark Kerr, but that was released back in 2002 and things have changed quite a bit over the last decade. Now directors Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker (Gunner Palace) are throwing their hats into the octagon with a new film called Fightville. The movie follows two fighters working their way up to the Ufc, along with a trainer and a promoter. One of the fighters, Dustin Poirier, is now pretty well-known to fans around the world, and the movie happens to capture his rise to fame. From what I've heard, the movie takes an even-handed approach...
- 3/6/2012
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
"It could be a movie about chess or two brothers competing in the knitting championship," Joel Edgerton says, musing on the boiling point tension in "Warrior," the new film in which he stars. "The actual sport is not the most important thing, but because of the great family drama, it makes the fight so much better."
Directed by Gavin O'Connor, the film marries the deep wounds of a broken family and the violent discipline of mixed martial arts to create a narrative that strikes at the physical and emotional core. Edgerton plays Brendan, a former ultimate fighter-turned-high school physics teacher behind on his mortgage and secretly fighting at a local bar to make ends meet. His personal and professional worlds collapse when first, he gets caught in his moonlighting gig and suspended from school and, soon after, he finds out that his estranged younger brother Tommy (a brooding and broken...
Directed by Gavin O'Connor, the film marries the deep wounds of a broken family and the violent discipline of mixed martial arts to create a narrative that strikes at the physical and emotional core. Edgerton plays Brendan, a former ultimate fighter-turned-high school physics teacher behind on his mortgage and secretly fighting at a local bar to make ends meet. His personal and professional worlds collapse when first, he gets caught in his moonlighting gig and suspended from school and, soon after, he finds out that his estranged younger brother Tommy (a brooding and broken...
- 9/9/2011
- by Jordan Zakarin
- Huffington Post
I'm a bit surprised that with the wild popularity of the Ufc and mixed martial arts, we still haven't seen very many great movies based in this universe. Sure, there's been a great documentary (The Smashing Machine) and there's David Mamet's Redbelt (still haven't seen it), and then there's questionable stuff like Fighting, Never Back Down and Never Surrender, but where is the Rocky and Raging Bull? Well, from the looks of this trailer and some of the positive early buzz, there's a chance that Warrior could be it. The movie stars Tom Hardy (Bronson, Inception) and Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom, The Thing) as two brothers who train to be Mma fighters and end up squaring off in the ring against each other. One is an ex-Marine and the other is a public school teacher up to his eyeballs in debt. Nick Nolte looks to have a great role...
- 4/7/2011
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
Mixed Martial Arts, in its current inception, is a sport. When it began 20 years ago, it wasn’t. Not because it was more violent, which it was, but because it wasn’t conceived or presented as a sport. It was designed, in equal parts, as an earnest attempt to pit one martial arts style against another and as a violent spectacle. The Ufc was started, essentially, as a live-action martial arts infomercial by the Gracie family, the pioneers of Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, who were anxious to demonstrate their vastly superior style against all comers, as they had been doing in Brazil for half a century. Matches generally weren’t the brutal blood-sport people might expect. More often than not, they were simply ugly fights between frequently unskilled competitors.
In less than 20 years Mma, still known to most people as Ufc fighting, has gone from being a nearly unknown fringe interest to...
In less than 20 years Mma, still known to most people as Ufc fighting, has gone from being a nearly unknown fringe interest to...
- 3/30/2011
- by Mike Waldman
- SoundOnSight
It's no secret that Film Junk has a few documentary fans on staff and every year we try and highlight some of the stand out non-fiction films. Although The Cove and Anvil! The Story of Anvil made some appearances on our year end lists -- along with a few others on our end of decade list -- we didn't really get a chance to write up any doc specific lists, so I figured I'd share some of the love The Documentary Blog has been spreading over the past week. Below you'll find my top 10 docs of 2009 followed by my top 50 documentaries of the decade. Also, I put together a collection of some acclaimed non-fiction filmmakers (including Joe Berlinger, Sarah Price and Jeff Feuerzeig among others) who have shared their picks for best of the decade as well! You can check that list out here [1]. Until then, have a look below...
- 1/5/2010
- by Jay C.
- FilmJunk
No one online knows the world of documentary films as well as the aptly named "The Documentary Blog". It was only appropriate then that Tdb should assemble a list of what they consider to be the best documentary films over the last decade.
Instead of a measly top 10... they give us a top 50.
50. Rize (Lachapelle, 2005) — Trailer
49. The Smashing Machine (Hyams, 2002) — Trailer
48. Lost in La Mancha (Fulton & Pepe, 2002) — Trailer
47. Dig! (Timoner, 2004) — Trailer
46. Protagonist (Yu, 2007) — Trailer
45. Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story (Berger & Klores, 2005) — Trailer
44. Bowling for Columbine (Moore, 2002)
43. Rank (Hyams, 2006) — Trailer
42. Our Daily Bread (Geyrhalter, 2005) — Trailer
41. Helvetica (Hustwit, 2007) — Trailer
40. New World Order (Meyer & Neel, 2009) — Trailer
39. Best Worst Movie (Stephenson, 2009) — Trailer
38. The Cove (Psihoyos, 2009) — Trailer
37. Kurt Cobain: About a Son (Schnack, 2006) — Trailer
36. Tyson (Toback, 2008) — Trailer
35. Anvil! The Story of Anvil (Gervasi, 2008) — Trailer
34. When the Levee’s Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (Lee, 2006)
33. Bus 174 (Padilha & Lacerda, 2002)
32. God Grew Tired of Us (Quinn & Walker,...
Instead of a measly top 10... they give us a top 50.
50. Rize (Lachapelle, 2005) — Trailer
49. The Smashing Machine (Hyams, 2002) — Trailer
48. Lost in La Mancha (Fulton & Pepe, 2002) — Trailer
47. Dig! (Timoner, 2004) — Trailer
46. Protagonist (Yu, 2007) — Trailer
45. Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story (Berger & Klores, 2005) — Trailer
44. Bowling for Columbine (Moore, 2002)
43. Rank (Hyams, 2006) — Trailer
42. Our Daily Bread (Geyrhalter, 2005) — Trailer
41. Helvetica (Hustwit, 2007) — Trailer
40. New World Order (Meyer & Neel, 2009) — Trailer
39. Best Worst Movie (Stephenson, 2009) — Trailer
38. The Cove (Psihoyos, 2009) — Trailer
37. Kurt Cobain: About a Son (Schnack, 2006) — Trailer
36. Tyson (Toback, 2008) — Trailer
35. Anvil! The Story of Anvil (Gervasi, 2008) — Trailer
34. When the Levee’s Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (Lee, 2006)
33. Bus 174 (Padilha & Lacerda, 2002)
32. God Grew Tired of Us (Quinn & Walker,...
- 1/5/2010
- by John Campea
- AMC - Script to Screen
Back in April, Wintle brought us news [1] of a new Universal Soldier movie that was in production, starring both Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren. Although technically it would count as the fifth movie in the series, the story line picks up after Universal Soldier: The Return (the only sequel that also starred Jcvd) making it the "official" part 3. Now a trailer for Universal Soldier: Regeneration has arrived online, and while it certainly looks like a direct-to-dvd release (which it is), I'm sure action movie fans will still find some stuff worth getting excited about here. As with all the other Dtv action flicks we've been getting lately, the movie also co-stars an Mma fighter: Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski. The story involves a group of terrorists taking over Chernobyl and threatening to "unleash a radioactive cloud" unless their demands are met. Director John Hyams (The Smashing Machine, Rank) calls it an '80s nostalgia piece,...
- 11/23/2009
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
0:00 - Intro 2:30 - Headlines: Robert Downey Jr. as Lestat, Godzilla Reboot, Bryan Singer to Direct BSG Reboot, Wall-e Wins Hugo Award, Death Race Prequel, Warner Brothers to do Lego Movie, Frank Darabont to Direct The Walking Dead for AMC, Spielberg to Take Over Halo?, Ebert Defends Armond White then Retracts It 37:00 - Review: District 9 1:21:25 - Trailer Trash: Gentlemen Broncos, Legion, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus 1:33:12 - Other Stuff We Watched: V: The Original Mini-Series, Starman, Play Time, Rip: A Remix Manifesto, Shanghai Kiss, Tokyo!, Alien Nation, Nursery University, The Pee-wee Herman Show, Shark Tank 2:11:50 - Junk Mail: Mirror Neurons, Suspension of Disbelief, Special Music Podcast, Poutine Village, Best Werner Herzog Films, The Smashing Machine, Experimental Films 2:38:05 - This Week's DVD Releases 2:39:25 - Outro Note: Our additional spoiler discussion of District 9 will be released as a separate bonus podcast tomorrow.
- 8/17/2009
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.