“The Smashing Machine,” out October 3, comes from writer/director Benny Safdie, who marks his solo film directorial debut with the movie. He is best known for working alongside his brother Josh, co-directing the acclaimed “Uncut Gems,” among other films.

Before “The Smashing Machine,” Mark Kerr was a former collegiate wrestler trying to make his way in mixed martial arts.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson transforms into MMA and UFC fighter Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie's A24 biopic "The Smashing Machine," releasing this fall.