Emily Blunt in Talks to Join Dwayne Johnson in Benny Safdie’s Directorial Debut

Emily Blunt is reportedly in negotiations to star in Benny Safdie’s upcoming directorial venture, “The Smashing Machine,” a feature film backed by A24, with Dwayne Johnson already on board to portray MMA and UFC legend Mark Kerr. Production for the film is slated to commence this summer.

Blunt is in discussions to take on the role of Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. According to the studio, the character of Dawn grapples with finding her identity amidst the tumultuous and contradictory world of her husband Mark as they endeavor to carve out a new life together.

This potential collaboration would reunite Blunt not only with Safdie, with whom she shared the screen in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” but also with Johnson, her co-star from Disney’s 2021 adventure film “Jungle Cruise.”

“The Smashing Machine” is poised to delve into the dramatic narrative of Mark Kerr, a legendary MMA fighter during the unforgiving era of the UFC at the pinnacle of his career. The film will explore Kerr’s battles with addiction, triumphs, romantic entanglements, and the complexities of friendship against the backdrop of the year 2000.

The production will be helmed by Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions in collaboration with Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, alongside producers Eli Bush and David Koplan.

Blunt’s potential involvement in the project has been heralded as pivotal by Johnson himself. He disclosed to Variety in January that Blunt played a significant role in reigniting his passion for the film and the character of Kerr.

Initial discussions between Johnson and Safdie commenced in 2019, only to be interrupted by the pandemic. However, a resurgence of interest in the project was sparked during a conversation between Johnson and Blunt, wherein Blunt’s encouragement propelled Johnson to revisit the endeavor.

Upon discovering Johnson’s interest, Safdie reconnected with the actor during the production of “Oppenheimer,” solidifying Johnson’s commitment to “The Smashing Machine.”

Speaking about his motivations for joining the project, Johnson expressed his admiration for Safdie’s penchant for storytelling that is raw and authentic. He emphasized his aspiration to challenge himself and engage with narratives that explore the depths of human experience, a sentiment echoed by the compelling story of Mark Kerr.

Mark Kerr, a prominent figure in American wrestling and MMA, boasts an illustrious career as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and a victor in the World Vale Tudo Championship tournament, accruing over two dozen MMA titles over the course of his tenure.