Transforming Dwayne Johnson into MMA Fighter Mark Kerr: The Prosthetic Makeup Process Unveiled
In crafting the prosthetic makeup for The Smashing Machine, Kazu Hiro faced the challenge of capturing the essence of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson. Hiro opted for a subtle approach, focusing on eye swelling, a broken nose, and a lost tooth, requiring multiple stages of makeup application to achieve the desired effect.
Motivated by Kerr's physicality and emotional depth, Hiro delved into the fighter's psychology by studying a documentary on Kerr. He found Kerr's juxtaposition of aggression and soft-spoken demeanor intriguing, which informed his approach to transforming Johnson into the fighter.
Unlike Hiro's previous transformations, the intense fighting scenes in The Smashing Machine presented a new challenge with copious amounts of sweat requiring additional touch-ups. Hiro and his team had to adapt to the specific characteristics of Johnson's sweat patterns and develop a strategy to ensure the prosthetics stayed in place during filming.
The extensive makeup process involved applying 22 prosthetic pieces and a wig to Johnson daily, with a team of nearly 20 makeup artists working for four hours each day. Hiro meticulously adjusted Johnson's features to match Kerr's, including reshaping the brow bone, adding scars, and creating a cauliflower ear.
To simulate eye swelling during fights, Hiro applied a separate prosthetic in real time, gradually building up the effect as the scene progressed. Additionally, a silicone bald cap was crafted for a pivotal scene where Johnson's character shaves his head, requiring intricate detailing to achieve a realistic look.
Despite the meticulous preparation, the makeup team encountered challenges on set, such as the prosthetic nose tip coming off during filming, necessitating quick repairs. The dedication and attention to detail of the makeup artists contributed to the authenticity of Johnson's transformation into Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine.
For more insights into the making of The Smashing Machine and other award contenders, visit THR's dedicated site for behind-the-scenes stories at THR.com/behindthescreen.