Emily Blunt starred alongside Dwayne Johnson in Disney’s Jungle Cruise adaptation, and now the acclaimed actress is on the point of be part of the decision sheet with him once more. Blunt is in talks to star reverse Johnson in A24’s The Smashing Machine. The movie will inform the true story of a combined martial artist and will likely be directed by Bennie Safdie.

The Smashing Machine will depict the lifetime of Mark Kerr, a heavyweight MMA fighter and two-time UFC champion. Kerr endured a battle with drug habit and painkillers all through his profession, and the movie is predicted to function this habit as considered one of its important facets. If the deal closes, Blunt will painting Daybreak Staples, Kerr’s spouse. The title of the movie refers to Kerr’s well-publicized nickname within the ring. The movie has develop into considerably of a ardour venture for Johnson, who himself first rose to stardom because the skilled wrestler The Rock within the WWE. Johnson first introduced again in 2019 that he was teaming up with Safdie to inform Kerr’s story.

With Blunt coming onboard, Safie now has a pair of bonafide stars to assist inform Kerr’s story. Safdie, additionally recognized for his performing chops and collaborations along with his brother Joshua Safdie, will helm The Smashing Machine from a self-written script. The A24 movie will even be produced by Safdie for his Out for the Depend banner alongside Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions. Eli Bush and David Koplan are further producers.

Blunt and Johnson’s Earlier On-Display Romance

This may not be the primary time that Blunt and Johnson have shared the display, as they beforehand teamed up for the aforementioned Jungle Cruise. The movie, which additionally starred Jack Whitehall and Jessie Plemons, was based mostly on the Disney trip of the identical title. Although it was type of opposite to kind for Blunt, who is usually recognized for her dramatic work, Jungle Cruise wasn’t her first high-octane venture. She beforehand starred alongside Tom Cruise in Warner Bros.’ Fringe of Tomorrow, and the studio reportedly has a sequel in early improvement.

And after their turns within the wrestling ring, Blunt and Johnson are seemingly going again to the jungle, as a sequel to Jungle Cruise can also be in improvement at Disney. Each Blunt and Johnson have been reported to be returning to their roles for the sequel, although no different particulars have been confirmed. Producer Beau Flynn beforehand spoke to Collider about Jungle Cruise 2:

“Dwayne and Emily have created such an unimaginable bond. Their chemistry is extraordinary within the first film and I do know now they know these characters so intimately … so I’ve a sense like these two will be sure that a ‘Jungle Cruise 2’ will get made in some unspecified time in the future.”

No launch window for The Smashing Machine has been set. Keep tuned to Collider for extra info.

Jungle Cruise

Launch Date

July 28, 2021

Runtime

127

Writers

Glenn Ficarra , Michael Inexperienced , John Requa

Watch on Disney+