News U.S: Breaking Updates & Top Stories

 As The Smashing Machine gears up for its October release, the story isn’t just unfolding on screen—it’s taking shape through the reflections of the man at its heart: former MMA legend Mark Kerr. Ahead of the film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Kerr spoke with Time about revisiting his life’s tumultuous journey—one filled with triumph, addiction, and redemption. TIME From Wrestling Beginnings to MMA Pioneer Kerr’s fighting career began in high school and flourished through Syracuse University wrestling. After narrowly missing Olympic qualification in 1996, he transitioned to mixed martial arts. His debut at Brazil’s World Vale Tudo Championship in January 1997 resulted in three consecutive quick wins—earning him the nickname “The Smashing Machine.” TIME The Independent With MMA still in its infancy and heavily criticized in the U.S., Kerr moved to Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships for more opportunities and financial stability. He earned considerable success an...

 At the heart of The Smashing Machine , Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gives one of his most transformative performances to date — and it's not the typical blockbuster spectacle fans are used to. Directed by Benny Safdie, this gritty MMA biopic dives deep into the psyche of real-life UFC fighter Mark Kerr with a rawness that defies boxing-movie clichés. A Departure from Action Hero Tropes Johnson steps away from his action-hero persona, using prosthetics and a haunting physicality to morph into Kerr. He adopted a softer vocal delivery (guide by voice coach Liz Himelstein) and underwent a multi-hour makeup transformation—13 to 14 prosthetic pieces applied in 3 to 4 hours—to truly disappear into the character. MMA Fighting The Times of India Rather than shotgun fight scenes, Safdie applies a handheld, naturalistic visual style that mirrors early MMA’s raw brutality and frames Kerr’s battles as deeply human, not sensational. Reuters The Independent Time Out Worldwide Emotion Over Spect...

 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has stunned fans worldwide with a dramatic transformation, appearing noticeably leaner and lighter than ever before. Known for his massive physique and action-packed roles, Johnson’s recent weight loss raised eyebrows at major film festivals—prompting him to speak out about the reason behind the shift. A Role That Demanded Change The 53-year-old Hollywood star revealed that his transformation is tied to a bold career move. After bulking up for the intense role of MMA fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine , Johnson is now taking a completely different turn. He’s slimming down for his next film, Lizard Music , where he plays a quirky 70-something man known as “Chicken Man,” whose best friend is an elderly chicken. In a light-hearted comment at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Johnson joked that he’s been eating “less chicken” to get into character. “This role required something completely different from me—not just emotionally, but phy...