Dwayne Johnson's The Smashing Machine hits Oct 3 IMAX preview Sept 22

Dwayne Johnson’s grittier turn as former mixed martial arts champion Mark Kerr will reach U.S. and Canadian audiences this fall, with A24’s The Smashing Machine opening in theaters on October 3 and an IMAX one-night preview set for September 22. The biopic, directed by Benny Safdie in his first solo feature, has already amassed major festival attention, winning top honors at Venice and drawing strong reactions at Toronto, studio and festival reports said.

The film chronicles Kerr’s rise in combat sports and the private struggles that accompanied his success. Johnson portrays the fighter at the peak of his powers while also depicting the addictions and emotional turmoil Kerr faced. In interviews promoting the film, Johnson said immersing himself in Kerr’s life changed his perspective. Becoming Mark Kerr really allowed me to become even more empathetic to the world, he told a national television program, adding that the role deepened his appreciation for the hidden struggles people carry.

A24 released a first-look featurette showing behind-the-scenes footage of Johnson training and competing on screen, along with scenes of the character at home with his wife, portrayed by Emily...