Oleksandr Usyk, the newly crowned unified heavyweight boxing champion, is set to make his acting debut alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the upcoming biopic, The Smashing Machine. Usyk will be portraying PRIDE FC legend Igor Vovchanchyn, a role that is sure to showcase his versatility both in and out of the ring.
The film, based on a 2002 documentary of the same name, follows the tumultuous career of two-time UFC tournament champion Mark Kerr, with Johnson taking on the lead role. Usyk’s character, Vovchanchyn, was a formidable opponent in the world of PRIDE, and his clash with Kerr is a pivotal moment in the film.
Joining Usyk in the star-studded cast is Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s ex-wife, and Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader, who portrays UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman. The film is being produced by independent studio A24, with Benny Safdie directing in his first solo project.
Production on The Smashing Machine is already underway, with a release date set for 2025. Fans of both boxing and cinema can look forward to seeing Usyk’s acting chops on display as he brings the story of Vovchanchyn to life on the big screen. And with a potential rematch against Tyson Fury on the horizon, Usyk’s star is only set to rise higher in the coming months.