THE SMASHING MACHINE
Feature Film
A24
Producers: Eli Bush, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, David Koplan, Dwayne Johnson
Writer/Director: Benny Safdie
Casting Director: Jennifer Venditti
Casting Associate: Ivy Pham
Casting Assistant: Vivian Shamma
Shoot Dates: May 20th - August 1st 2024
Location: Vancouver, Los Angeles, New Mexico, Tokyo
Cast: MARK KERR: Dwayne Johnson
Seeking:
[ MARK COLEMAN ]
Male. Late 30s-40s. 6’0”-6’3”. A massive Midwesterner from Ohio, the elder statesman of MMA despite his young age, Mark Coleman is known for his "ground and pound" technique that has made him one of the best fighters in the world. Outside the ring, Coleman is a loving father and loyal friend, mentor, and trainer to Kerr. While focusing on his own career, Coleman takes notice of Mark's reliance on pain killers and delivers the honest truth when he sees his friend going down a path of no return. SUPPORTING LEAD. THIS ROLE SHOOTS IN VANCOUVER & TOKYO. PLEASE SUBMIT REAL, ACTIVE OR RETIRED COMBAT FIGHTERS.
[ BAS RUTTEN ]
Male. 5’11-6’2. 50s-60s. Dutch American trainer and fighter with boundless energy and an upbeat attitude, Bas Rutten joins Mark to train him for the Championship tournament. He hopes to give Mark more tools in the ring by expanding his repertoire as a fighter, but Bas knows the key to Mark's success will be remaining distraction-free. Bas worries that old habits might hold Mark back if he can't stay focused. SUPPORTING. THIS ROLE SHOOTS IN VANCOUVER & TOKYO. PLEASE SUBMIT REAL, ACTIVE OR RETIRED COMBAT FIGHTERS or TRAINERS.
[ IGOR VOVCHANCHYN ]
Male. 5'11"-6'3". 30s-40s. An imposing MMA fighter from Ukraine, Igor Vovchanchyn is one of the top competitors in the Pride Fighting circuit, facing off against both Kerr and Coleman throughout their careers. Despite his fierceness in the ring, Igor expresses gratitude and kindness when he chats with Mark backstage after a fight. SUPPORTING. MUST SPEAK UKRAINIAN. ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS ARE NOT REQUIRED. THIS ROLE SHOOTS IN VANCOUVER & TOKYO. PLEASE SUBMIT REAL, ACTIVE OR RETIRED COMBAT FIGHTERS.
Storyline: Set in the late 90s - early 2000s. Rising to fame through the little-known sport of Mixed Martial Arts, MARK KERR earns the nickname, "THE SMASHING MACHINE" after proving he is a force to be reckoned with.