It appears “The Final Boss” of World Wrestling Entertainment will be off to participate in a different type of scripted combat soon. A new report reveals Dwayne Johnson will be back on a movie set as soon as Wrestlemania XL weekend concludes.
Per ESPN, Johnson looks set to begin shooting his A24 sports drama, The Smashing Machine, as soon as WWE’s biggest annual event is over. According to the report, Johnson will “jump right into” principal photography for The Smashing Machine, which sees the acclaimed wrestler-turned-actor play the titular mixed martial arts legend, Mark Kerr. Johnson, who has been training heavily for Wrestlemania XL since February between Los Angeles and Hawaii, has been getting into shape for the film as well.
Johnson’s casting as Kerr was confirmed when the A24 title was announced last December, with Benny Safdie of the famed Safdie brothers directing and writing the film. The movie will see Johnson portray the former wrestling and MMA champion who spent part of his legendary career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), with the film focusing on the year 2000 as Kerr battles the pressure of competition, addiction and other struggles.
The Smashing Machine will also reportedly reunite Johnson with Jungle Cruise franchise co-star and Oscar-nominated actor, Emily Blunt. Recently, it was revealed Blunt was in talks with A24 to appear in The Smashing Machine, portraying Kerr’s then-wife, Dawn Staples. Blunt helped convince Johnson to make The Smashing Machine, which had been conceptualized for years. The British actor is coming off her acclaimed performance in Oppenheimer and stars in the upcoming action comedy, The Fall Guy.
Johnson aka The Rock returned to wrestling earlier this year to seemingly set up a match between himself and current WWE Undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman Reigns. However, plans soon changed, leading to The Rock joining Roman’s group, The Bloodline, and a blockbuster tag team match pitting himself and his cousin against Cody Rhodes and WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Seth “Freakin” Rollins on Wrestlemania Night 1. During his current run, he also debuted “The Final Boss” character, which plays on his role as a board member for TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s owners. The tag team match would be Johnson’s first proper contest since his Wrestlemania 29 heavyweight title clash against John Cena.
The Rock Will Stay Busy After Wrestlemania
The Smashing Machine adds to an increasingly busy schedule for Johnson, who will star in and produce the live-action Moana remake and feature in the Moana animated sequel. Additionally, he is set to shoot his Fast & Furious spinoff film based on his lawman character in the action franchise, Luke Hobbs.
No release window has been confirmed for The Smashing Machine. Meanwhile, Wrestlemania XL takes place on Apr. 6 and Apr. 7 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with the main show starting at 7 p.m. ET each night on Peacock.
