Why Dwayne Johnson Is Trying to Replicate Will Smith’s King Richard With A24’s The Smashing Machine?

Fans always get excited when there is something new from Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Despite not all his movies hitting the mark, he is still a big, bankable star in Hollywood. The most recent news is his upcoming role in A24’s The Smashing Machine. However, this role has resulted in Johnson being compared to Will Smith, who had a similar role.

The Smashing Machine is based on the life of Mark Kerr, a decorated MMA fighter. Johnson has claimed to love MMA; this is his chance to do it justice.

Is Dwayne Johnson copying Will Smith?

The movie will be written and directed by Benny Safdie, who wrote hits like Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler. The movie is produced by Johnson and his Seven Bucks Production company. Unlike his previous roles, this is Johnson stepping into serious acting.

Despite the noble intention of the movie, fans have compared it to another movie. King Richard was a 2021 American biographical sports film starring Will Smith. He played the father of Tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. The movie gained recognition because their father was never that big of a star to have a movie on him with a named actor like Smith.

The same issue fans are now having with The Smashing Machine movie. Despite winning the UFC Heavyweight Tournament Championship twice, he was never that big of a star in the UFC. Another issue is that in 2003, HBO already made a documentary with the same name detailing the life of Karr.

READ MORE: Who Is UFC Legend Mark Kerr That Dwayne Johnson Is Playing in “The Smashing Machine”? MMA Record, UFC Career, and Everything You Need to Know About the Ex-Champ

Despite the movie being based on a real person, the person’s lack of recognition in his field is a point of issue. There are several well-known and beloved figures in UFC that Johnson could’ve played. Choosing a celebrated yet small-time star mirrors Smith’s movie. Many fans have claimed that this could be Oscar bait.

What will The Smashing Machine provide Johnson’s loyal fans?

The movie will follow the life of Karr in MMA, UFC and his personal life with his addictions. It mainly talks about his time in the Pride Fighting Championships in Japan and the tough times he went through.

The documentary was famous for being honest and personal about the tough physical and emotional parts of being a fighter in this intense sport. Fans of Johnson are looking forward to the same impact or better by the WWE star-turned-actor.

What do you think about Johnson’s upcoming project? Tell us in the comments.

Watch This Story: $800-Million Man Dwayne Johnson Joins Pop Icon Rihanna In Elite Company Despite Having 0 Oscar Nominations