Dwayne Johnson nabs first dramatic role as MMA legend Mark Kerr

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

It seem as though Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson always has something cooking in his kitchen. In between appearances at WWE events and promoting the three films he released this year, the action superstar also wrapped the fifth and final season of HBO's Ballers. Dude even managed to get married this year too. It begs the question as to when and if this guy actually sleeps. Apparently never, as the HOBBS & SHAW star just announced yet another project, which will mark the actor's first wholly dramatic role.

At a surprise press conference on Friday at Madison Square Garden for UFC 244, where Johnson was a guest presenter for the main event, the BAYWATCH star announced he would portray UFC champ and MMA legend Mark Kerr in an upcoming biopic. Dwayne Johnson will produce the film through his company Seven Bucks Productions with collaborator Beau Flynn. No studio is currently attached to the project as it's in very early development.

Mark Kerr was a pioneer in the world of mixed martial arts and during his career was considered the best fighter in the world. Nicknamed "The Smashing Machine," Kerr was the subject of a 2002 HBO documentary which chronicled his beginnings as an NCAA Division I wrestling champ through his memorable MMA career and eventual addiction to pain killers.

Addressing his fans at Madison Square Garden, Dwayne Johnson had this to say of the project:

“Mark Kerr’s story is such an incredible story. Like all of us, and like a lot of these fighters, he battled these demons — these demons of addiction, these demons of mental health, these demons of getting out and the pressure of fighting in front of 50,000 people and what that does to somebody. Here’s a guy who has gone through it all, hit rock bottom, but the best part about Mark Kerr is that, like all of us in this room and all these fighters, these warriors, is that everyday, we get up and we want to do a little bit better tomorrow than we did today.”

This sounds like a classic inspirational sports movie, something I think Johnson would excel at. While he's mostly known for comedies and action films, I have to say I love the idea of Johnson taking a shot at a truly dramatic role. While Dwayne Johnson certainly has a range, he's far from a terrible actor and with the right starring vehicle, I believe he could be very successful. Plus if they decide to go with it, THE SMASHING MACHINE sounds like a fantastic title.

In the meantime, Dwayne Johnson's JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL swings into theaters December 13 and his Disney film JUNGLE CRUISE comes ashore July 24, 2020.

What say you guys? Are you excited for this casting news? How do you feel about Dwayne Johnson tackling a purely dramatic role? Sound off in the comments below!