Oleksandr Usyk Set for Acting Debut Alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in “The Smashing Machine”
Champion Usyk to Portray MMA Veteran
Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning heavyweight boxing champion, is making waves beyond the ring as he ventures into Hollywood. Before his highly anticipated bout against Tyson Fury in October, Usyk will debut in the film “The Smashing Machine” with none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Usyk Joins Star-Studded Cast
Usyk will play Igor Vovchanchyn, a Ukrainian MMA legend and PRIDE veteran, who famously fought Mark Kerr in 1999. The victory was later overturned due to illegal knee strikes. Johnson, who plays Kerr, will bring the story of the two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and his struggles with addiction to life on the big screen.
The film also stars Emily Blunt as Kerr’s former partner Dawn Staples and Bellator Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman, Kerr’s friend and fellow fighter. Directed by Benny Safdie, known for his work on “Uncut Gems,” this biopic promises an intense portrayal of Kerr’s career and personal battles.
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A Deep Dive into MMA History
“The Smashing Machine” is based on the 2003 HBO documentary of the same name, which chronicled Kerr’s career and his fight with addiction. The film aims to capture the raw and often brutal reality of MMA during its formative years, showcasing Kerr’s highs and lows both inside and outside the octagon.
Production and Release
Produced by A24, with Benny Safdie at the helm, the film has been in development since 2019, following Johnson’s acquisition of the rights through his Seven Bucks Productions. The film’s release is slated for 2025, with production already underway.
Fans and critics alike are eager to see how Johnson and Usyk will depict these iconic figures in MMA history. With the release of the first images showing Johnson’s dramatic transformation into Kerr, anticipation is building for what promises to be a gripping and heartfelt story of triumph and tribulation.
For more details, you can check sources like Cinemablend and The Wrap which provide extensive coverage on the movie and its development? (CINEMABLEND)?? (TheWrap)?.
