'The Rock' Looks Unrecognizable In Preview For New MMA Movie

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There's nothing like a good sports biopic to stir up early Oscar buzz.

Legendary wrestler Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson underwent an impressive transformation for his role in the upcoming biopic about MMA fighter Mark Kerr. 

Seriously … could this be the project that earns The Rock an Oscar nomination? 

A Version of ‘The Rock’ We've Never Seen Before

The Rock will star as Kerr in A24's "The Smashing Machine," chronicling Kerr's rise in the early days of the UFC. The two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion also battled demons as he struggled with addiction to painkillers and narcotics.

A24 released a preview image of the new movie, also starring Emily Blunt.

HOLLYWOOD - Dwayne Johnson attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Ditching his signature tattoos and sporting a new head of hair, The Rock looks completely different than his real-life, larger-than-life persona. Speaking on the project, The Rock shared that he trained with Kerr, 55, to prepare for the biopic (as if Johnson wasn't already juiced).

Considering Hollywood's love for gritty sports biopics, it's safe to say Johnson will generate some buzz by ditching his archetypal action hero to play the sullen ex-UFC fighter. 

Look at how "The Wrestler" catapulted Mickey Rourke into a prime Best Actor nominee in 2008 or Steve Carrell's eerie turn as John du Pont in "Foxcatcher."

All Signs Point Toward Oscar Buzz

"The Smashing Machine" will be directed by "Uncut Gems" co-director Benny Safdie, who also worked on the critically acclaimed "Good Time."

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - (R-L) Mark Kerr battles Moti Horenstein during the UFC 14 event inside Boutwell Auditorium on July 27, 1997. (Photo by Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

In both projects, Safdie (along with brother Josh Safdie, who's not directing the new project) manages to transform familiar faces in Hollywood into deranged characters. 

Look at how "Gems" transformed funnyman Adam Sandler into a conniving New jeweler or how "Twilight" star Robert Pattinson changed into a small-time hustler in "Good Time."

The project has not announced a release date, as of the current report.

(Will this be the movie that lands The Rock an Oscar nom? What's your favorite sports biopic? Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com)

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