In a stunning changeover to play UFC champion Mark Kerr, the makers released the first look of Dwayne Johnson's The Striking Machine.

It takes some time to recognise Dwayne in the image as an athlete sitting at the ringside. Social media is divided over the poster. It has impressed some and disappointed some.

The wrestler-turned-actor recently shared snaps from his training session for this role. 

The under-production film is directed by Benny Safdie for A24.

Emily Blunt will be seen playing Kerr's wife Dawn Staples. She pairs up with her Jungle Cruise co-star in this film and also teams up with him for the Disney film's sequel.

The Smashing Machine is set to chronicle Mark Kerr's story, his struggles with addiction, love, friendship, and of course MMA championship victories. Kerr has won above two dozen MMA titles, including a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Championship and World Vale Tudo Championship.

Safdie, popular for directing Uncut Gems and Good Time, will write and direct the film. He will also produce the film under the Out for the Count banner alongside Eli Bush and David Koplan, with Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia's Seven Bucks Production.