Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has expressed his excitement about collaborating with Oleksandr Usyk, the newly crowned undisputed heavyweight boxing champion, who has joined the cast of the upcoming biopic The Smashing Machine.
Scheduled for a late 2024 release, the film will narrate the life of mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr, famously known as “The Smashing Machine,” with Johnson taking on the titular role.
Usyk Set To Portray Igor Vovchanchyn
The Undisputed Champ Is Set To Play An MMA Fighter
Usyk, who secured his undisputed heavyweight champion status in May after defeating Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, will portray former MMA fighter Igor Vovchanchyn. Vovchanchyn, a fellow Ukrainian, had significant bouts with Kerr in 1999 and 2000. Usyk, 37, adds this role to his impressive resume, having previously held the title of undisputed cruiserweight champion before his ascent to the heavyweight division.
In an Instagram post on Monday, Johnson humorously cautioned Usyk, “Don’t break my jaw champ.” He continued,
“An honor to have the newly crowned Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World @usykaa join our cast of ‘The Smashing Machine.’ Usyk will play the role of Igor Vovchanchyn – the real-life Ukrainian MMA legend who had legendary fights during the extreme no-holds-barred era of Mixed Martial Arts and one historic fight against the Smashing Machine himself, Mark Kerr. I have huge respect for Oleksandr Usyk and [it] will be my honor to share the ring with him – as he knocks my jaw into next week. Looking forward to working with you, my brother.”
Mark Kerr, now 55, won two UFC heavyweight championship tournaments in July and October 1997. He retired from fighting in 2009 after a challenging end to his career, which saw him lose 12 of his last 15 bouts. His rematch with Vovchanchyn, who won by decision, was among these losses after their initial bout ended in a No Contest.
The Smashing Machine promises to offer a gripping portrayal of the brutal and compelling world of early MMA, with Usyk bringing his formidable presence to the big screen. The film, written and directed by Benny Safdie, aims to capture the intensity and drama of Kerr’s career, highlighting the era’s raw and unregulated nature.
Meanwhile, Usyk is preparing for a highly anticipated rematch with Tyson Fury in December, but it is not expected to be for all the belt. His transition to acting, starting with this significant role, marks a new chapter in his already illustrious career and symbolizes his high-profile status.