Watch: First Trailer of The Rock’s Dramatic Turn in The Smashing Machine

The first trailer for The Smashing Machine has officially dropped, giving fans a first look at Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in a role unlike anything he's done before. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film is a major tonal shift for Johnson, best known for larger-than-life action heroes and charismatic, tongue-in-cheek roles. Here, Johnson steps into something far grittier and more vulnerable, trading his signature bravado for raw emotion.

The Smashing Machine tells the true story of Mark Kerr, a former UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion who struggled with addiction and personal demons even as he dominated inside the cage. At his peak, Kerr was considered one of the most terrifying forces in MMA, but behind the scenes, his battles with substance abuse and self-destruction cast a long shadow over his career. The film chronicles both his meteoric rise and heartbreaking fall, offering a stark portrait of fame, addiction, and identity.

For fans unfamiliar with Kerr, he was a collegiate wrestling champion before transitioning to MMA in the late '90s. Known as "The Smashing Machine" for his relentless style, Kerr won two UFC tournaments and was a featured star during the early boom of mixed martial arts. His life was previously profiled in a 2002 HBO documentary also titled The Smashing Machine, which showcased the brutal reality of his existence behind the glory.

Johnson's casting is significant because he's deliberately stepping away from playing "The Rock" archetypes and embracing a character that requires real vulnerability and complexity. From the trailer alone, it's clear Johnson is aiming to push himself creatively, shedding his usual invincible persona to dig into Kerr's pain and humanity. You can see why Roger Ebert was once a big fan.

Produced by A24, The Smashing Machine is set for a theatrical release later this year, and early buzz suggests it could mark a turning point in Johnson's acting career. With Safdie's reputation for raw, anxiety-inducing storytelling (see Uncut Gems), and Johnson clearly all-in on the material, this one has the potential to be something really special.

Fans can watch the full trailer now and see a very different side of "The Great One."