The Smashing Machine cast features Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt and Ryan Bader. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Benny Safdie’s 2025 movie on Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max and Hulu. Check out more cast guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast category.

The Smashing Machine explores the life of an American mixed martial artist between 1997 and 2000. As Mark Kerr fights in both the UFC and Pride Fighting Championships, he becomes increasingly reliant on pain medication. The narrative follows the main protagonist as his life spirals out of control. Here’s every actor and character in The Smashing Machine.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Sinners’

The Smashing Machine Cast: Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr

Character Profile: An American mixed martial artist. He is an intellectual who struggles to process his first loss. Mark tries to maintain a romantic relationship while struggling with a pain killer addiction.

Johnson’s Resume: A WWE Superstar — Also, Hobbs in the Fast & Furious Movie Franchise (2011-), Spencer Strasmore in Ballers (2015-19), Maui in Moana (2016), Frank Wolff in Jungle Cruise (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘One Battle After Another’

The Smashing Machine Cast: Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples

Character Profile: Mark’s girlfriend. She often feels unappreciated in her relationship. Dawn threatens to kill herself when Mark kicks her out of his home.

Blunt’s Resume: Emily in The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Elise Sellas in The Adjustment Bureau (2011), Rita in Edge of Tomorrow (2014), Evelyn Abbott in A Quiet Place (2018), Kitty Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer (2023)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Eenie Meanie’

The Smashing Machine Cast: Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman

Character Profile: An American mixed martial artist. He maintains a close friendship with the protagonist. Mark Coleman worries about Mark Kerr’s personal struggles during the late 90s.

Bader’s Resume: A Mixed Martial Artist (Movie Debut in The Smashing Machine)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Mountainhead’

The Smashing Machine Cast: Bas Rutten as Bas

Character Profile: A Dutch-American mixed martial artist and trainer. He helps Mark rebound from his first loss. Bas struggles with pain issues from his fighting career.

Rutten’s Resume: A Mixed Martial Artist — Also,  Drill Instructor in Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009), Sebastian the Wolf in Zookeeper (2011), Niko in Here Comes the Boom (2012), Rootger in Kevin Can Wait (2017-18)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Opus’

The Smashing Machine Cast: Oleksandr Usyk as Igor Vovchanchyn

Character Profile: A Ukrainian mixed martial artist. He competes against Mark in a fight that results in a “no contest” ruling. Igor maintains a friendship with the protagonist.

Usyk’s Resume: A Professional Boxer — Also,  Professional Boxer in The Fight Rules (2016), Sholom in The Stolen Princess (2018)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Swiped’

The Smashing Machine cast also includes:

• Olga Dzyurak as Igor’s Translator
• Lyndsey Gavin as Kelley Coleman
• Satoshi Ishii as Enson Inoue
• James Moontasri as Akira Shoji
• Yoko Hamamura as Kazuyuki Fujita
• Stephen Quadros as Himself
• Paul Cheng as Masaaki Satake
• Roberto Abreu as Fabio Gurgel
• Andre Tricoteux as Paul Varelans
• Marcus Aurelio as Mestre Hulk

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.