Watch the new trailer for The Smashing Machine, from Silver Lion Best Director Award winner Benny Safdie, starring Dwayne Johnson and Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt. The film premiered to raves earlier this week at tiff50.

Only in theaters October 3rd via VVS Films.

With just three weeks until the Festival, TIFF is proud to share a preview of this year’s programming and events that go beyond the big screen, offering a broader lens on the global entertainment industry’s influence. TIFF’s iconic In Conversation With… (ICW) series is set to welcome international superstars Park Chan-wook, Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Tessa Thompson alongside Nia DaCosta, five bold, original voices who will engage audiences through candid, in-depth conversations about their careers, craft, and creative journeys. The 50th Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025.

TIFF Next Wave presents an inaugural TIFF: Close-Up conversation with Project Y co-stars Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo. Programmed specifically for TIFF’s Under-25 audience, this is an opportunity to hear from two of the most exciting global rising stars at this year’s Festival.

“As we mark TIFF’s 50th edition, our programming continues to reflect our belief that film and creative expression can spark dialogue, challenge perspectives, and build connection,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “From intimate ICWs and a Close-Up event with today’s biggest stars, to events designed to elevate and celebrate creative communities, we’re proud to offer Festival goers opportunities to further engage.”

Now in its third year, TIFF’s invite-only Black Excellence Brunch presented by RBC, hosted at RBC House (Petros82), and supported by the Jamaica Tourist Board, is a vibrant celebration of the Black creative community. The event fosters connection, shared experience, and collective growth by bringing together both local and international voices. This year’s brunch will also shine a spotlight on the 30th anniversary and enduring legacy of Planet Africa, the groundbreaking Festival programme founded by Cameron Bailey in 1995.

Announced last week, the Criterion Mobile Closet is making its sixth stop and its Canadian debut as part of TIFF’s Festival Street, Sept 4–7. Open to the public, visitors are invited to explore its extensive collection of 1700 films and to make your very own Closet video. And if you miss your chance to visit, part of the collection and Criterion merchandise will be available in the TIFF Shop. More news about other Festival Street activations will be shared closer to the Festival.

More info on: In Conversation With…

In Conversation With… Park Chan-wook, presented by The Korean Film Council

Director Park Chan-wook’s blend of striking visuals and masterful tension has cemented his status as one of contemporary cinema’s most influential auteurs. His elegant, genre-defying storytelling has consistently challenged cinematic conventions while exploring themes of obsession, morality, and the human psyche. Join us for a rare opportunity to hear Park Chan-wook, in conversation with Don McKellar, about the evolution of his craft, his impactful career, and the making of No Other Choice — a film co-written with McKellar, and an essential new addition to one of the most celebrated filmographies of the 21st century.

In Conversation With… Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is truly one of a kind: the professional wrestler turned movie superstar has a powerful connection with his global fan base, which includes diehard adult wrestling fans, young Maui devotees, and everyone in between. Johnson joins TIFF for an exclusive conversation about his journey from the ring to Hollywood, his work as a producer and co-owner of Seven Bucks Productions, and his creative collaboration with A24, Benny Safdie, and long-time friend and co-star Emily Blunt to bring the true story of MMA legend Mark Kerr to the big screen in The Smashing Machine.

In Conversation With… Ryan Reynolds, presented by Prime Video

Creator, producer, writer, actor, entrepreneur, and co-owner of one of the oldest football clubs in the world, Ryan Reynolds is a creative force in Hollywood and beyond. Recently named an Officer of the Order of Canada, Vancouver-born Reynolds is proudly Canadian with a healthy dash of global ambition. As TIFF opens the Festival with John Candy: I Like Me, Reynolds will discuss his work as a producer on the film, the influence of John Candy on his own career, and his work in front of and behind the camera at his company Maximum Effort.

In Conversation With… Tessa Thompson and Nia DaCosta

Actor-producer Tessa Thompson and director-screenwriter Nia DaCosta discuss their bold new collaboration Hedda, a striking reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play Hedda Gabler. This intimate conversation will take audiences behind the scenes of one of the year’s greatly anticipated films, while delving into Thompson and DaCosta’s creative partnership and their respective careers. Join us for a revealing conversation about artistry, risk, and the power of creative collaboration.

More information on Close Up:

Close-Up (클로즈업): Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo

The World Premiere of Lee Hwan’s highly anticipated Project Y is part of #TIFF50, and TIFF Next Wave is presenting a special Close-Up (in Korean: 클로즈업) event with film co-stars Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo. So-hee and Jong-seo will speak about their friendship, creative collaboration on Project Y, and their respective journeys in the entertainment world, with special focus on their starring roles in such K-Pop music videos as Seven by Jung Kook and Derre by Bibi.

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

THE SMASHING MACHINE cast members Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt attended the UFC Hall of Fame Induction of combat sport legend Mark Kerr, who Johnson depicts in the film. Blunt portrays Dawn Staples-Kerr, Mark’s first wife. Johnson presented Kerr with the trophy in honor of his induction as the 21st member of the Pioneer Era Wing of the Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Other 2025 inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame include Craig Piligian (Emmy Award-winning producer), Israel Adesanya (Former Middleweight Champion), Robbie Lawler (Former Middleweight Champion), Kelvin Gastelum (Former Interim Title Challenger), Amanda Nunes (Former 2-Division Champion), and Vitor Belfort (Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament Winner).
ABOUT MARK KERR:
Mark Kerr, a former NCAA wrestling champion and ADCC Hall of Famer, rose to prominence in MMA by winning back-to-back UFC heavyweight tournaments in 1997. Nicknamed “The Smashing Machine” for his dominant style, Kerr fought in both UFC and PRIDE, earning victories over top-tier opponents during a 12-year career.

ABOUT UFC:
UFC is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

ABOUT THE SMASHING MACHINE:
From filmmaker Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, THE SMASHING MACHINE is the story of legendary mixed martial arts & UFC fighter Mark Kerr.

From Writer/Director Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. THE SMASHING MACHINE – In Theaters October 3, 2025 via VVS Films. Today we get a brand new Trailer. This looks incredible!

DIRECTOR: Benny Safdie
CAST: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt

About Mark Kerr

Mark Kerr is an American former wrestler and mixed martial artist. During his MMA career he was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a PRIDE FC Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, 1994 National Freestyle Champion and 4x ADCC World Submission Champion. In 2003, Kerr was the subject of an HBO documentary titled THE SMASHING MACHINE, which detailed his MMA career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC and PRIDE.

(Photo/video credit: A24)

THE SMASHING MACHINE is coming to theatres this Fall, October 3, 2025 via VVS Films, reuniting Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.

Written, directed and produced by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson and Academy Award-nominated Emily Blunt.

THE SMASHING MACHINE is a drama based on the story of Mark Kerr (Dwayne Johnson), the legendary MMA fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career, as he questions himself and struggles with life and his relationships. While Mark’s girlfriend, Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt) struggles as well to find her place in Mark’s chaotic and contradictory world.

PRESS MATERIALS
About Mark Kerr

Mark Kerr is an American former wrestler and mixed martial artist. During his MMA career he was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a PRIDE FC Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, 1994 National Freestyle Champion and 4x ADCC World Submission Champion. In 2003, Kerr was the subject of an HBO documentary titled THE SMASHING MACHINE, which detailed his MMA career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC and PRIDE

Dwayne Johnson revealed today in a recorded message from Hawaii that a live-action reimagining of Disney Animation’s 2016 hit feature film “Moana” is in development. The announcement was shared by Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger during The Walt Disney Company’s Meeting of Shareholders Webcast.

The new feature film is produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions and Beau Flynn via Flynn Picture Co. Executive producers include Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, and Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co. Jared Bush and Samoan industry pro Dana Ledoux Miller will also take part in the production. Bush, who was a director and co-writer of Disney’s Oscar®-winning feature “Encanto” and a writer and co-director on Disney’s Oscar®-winning film “Zootopia,” wrote the screenplay for 2016’s “Moana.”

Like its animated predecessor, the film will celebrate the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders as seen through the eyes of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Moana’s journey of self-discovery and reflection on the lives of her ancestors won hearts worldwide, as did her newfound friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui.

Johnson, who plans to return to the fictional world to set sail with Moana, said, “I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen. This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me. I want to thank my partners at Disney for their strong commitment to this special endeavor, because there is no better world for us to honour the story of our people, our passion and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people.”

Native Hawaiian actor Cravalho, who helped shape Moana in the original film, said the beloved protagonist’s reach is sweeping. “She has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses,” Cravalho said. “Moana’s strength and perseverance are inspiring—to audiences around the world, to me and to everyone who helped bring her to life. I’m looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way.”

Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production (Disney Live Action), said the film would join a successful lineup of live-action adaptations that include 2017’s “Beauty and the Beast,” 2019’s “Aladdin” and the highly anticipated live-action version of “The Little Mermaid,” opening May 26. “It’s still early, but the idea of working with these fantastic partners to tell such a meaningful story on a live-action canvas, particularly as we celebrate 100 years of storytelling at Disney, is thrilling,” said Bailey.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” debuted in theatres on Nov. 23, 2016, grossing nearly $644 million in global box office. The title, which debuted on Disney+ with the streamer’s 2019 launch, is among the top 15 movies streamed in the United States in 2022. The film’s soundtrack, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, was lauded worldwide. Miranda won a GRAMMY® for best song written for visual media (“How Far I’ll Go”), and an Oscar® nomination for best achievement in music written for motion pictures – original song (“How Far I’ll Go”). In 2021, the “Moana” soundtrack broke a Billboard Soundtrack chart record for the amount of time spent at number one (52 weeks). Additionally, the film was nominated for an Academy Award (best animated feature film of the year), a BAFTA (best animated feature film) and a pair of Golden Globes® (best motion picture – animated and best original song (“How Far I’ll Go”)).

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada has unveiled today additional details about global superstar Dwayne Johnson’s visit to Toronto to celebrate the theatrical release of BLACK ADAM this October.

On October 13, 2022, Johnson will attend ‘BLACK ADAM Rocks Canada’, an exclusive fan event at Cineplex’s The Rec Room in downtown Toronto. The event – which is presented by Audi Canada, Cineplex, and Rogers Sports & Media – will see more than 900 fans enjoy world-exclusive photo opportunities, complimentary food, and a special advance screening. Fans in attendance will also have the chance to win thousands in exclusive prizing including:

-A trip to Los Angeles for a winner and guest (includes airfare, hotel, and tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood) – courtesy of IMAX®
-Annual CineClub Memberships – courtesy of Cineplex
-An evening at the Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto, including complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea for two
-Lower-bowl tickets to a professional hockey game in Toronto
-Lower-bowl tickets to a professional basketball game in Toronto
-An evening at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, including complimentary cocktails
-BLACK ADAM Under Armor prize packs
-McFarlane Toys prize packs
-Pre-paid credit cards

BLACK ADAM Rocks Canada will be hosted by Mark Strong (Strizzzy) and fans will also enjoy a DJ set from Recording Artist, Producer and the Official DJ of the Toronto Raptors, 4Korners. All attendees will receive exclusive BLACK ADAM swag to showcase their excitement.

Following the event, attendees will March to the Movie, led by Rhythm Works, from Cineplex’s The Rec Room to Cineplex’s Scotiabank Theatre Toronto where they will become among the first in Canada to watch BLACK ADAM, before its theatrical release on October 21.

There are a number of ways for fans to win their way into this exclusive event, details are below:

Beginning September 27, Rogers Sports & Media will offer coast-to-coast viewers of Breakfast Television, and listeners of SONiC (British Columbia), KISS 91.7 (Edmonton), and KISS 105.3 (Ottawa) the chance to win a trip to the event, including airfare and hotel accommodations. KISS 92.5 (Toronto), 100.5 (North Bay), and 102.7 (Kingston) will offer listeners in Ontario the chance to win to tickets to the event.

On a weekly basis, @WarnerBrosCA will surprise and delight select social followers with tickets to the event

@FANEXPOCanada will be giving away tickets on their social media

Cineplex will surprise and delight select CineClub members with tickets to the event

A wide range of local partners in Toronto will be hosting giveaways on their social media pages, including but not limited to: Dead Dog Records, Gotham Central Comics, Club Enhergy, Hairy Tarantula, Kops Records, Manic Coffee, See-Scape, Silver Snail, Storm Crow Manor, The Dock Ellis, The Grand Order of Divine Sweets.

It doesn’t get any bigger than this! Dwayne THE ROCK Johnson is set to visit Toronto for the Canadian Premiere of BLACK ADAM this October!

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada announced today that global superstar Dwayne Johnson will visit Toronto this October to celebrate the release of his upcoming DC film, BLACK ADAM. Johnson revealed via a special video message that ‘The Rock will return to Toronto, his home away from home’ later this year to share BLACK ADAM with Canadians in advance of the film’s theatrical release on October 21, 2022.

News of Johnson’s return to Toronto was first shared by FAN EXPO Canada as part of an exclusive partnership to thank and surprise die-hard Canadian pop culture fans that attended this year’s massive convention. Additional details of Johnson’s monumental visit will be revealed in the coming weeks by Warner Bros. Pictures Canada. Fans are encouraged to follow @WarnerBrosCA and @FANEXPOCanada on social media for details on how they can join Dwayne Johnson at this electrifying event.

See the Announcement:

Dwayne Johnson stars in BLACK ADAM which just got. new Trailer unveil at San Diego Comic-Con!

Synopsis:

The world needed a hero, it got #BlackAdam.

From New Line Cinema, Dwayne Johnson stars in the action adventure “Black Adam.” The first-ever feature film to explore the story of the DC Super Hero comes to the big screen under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra (“Jungle Cruise”).

Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.

Johnson stars alongside Aldis Hodge (“City on a Hill,” “One Night in Miami”) as Hawkman, Noah Centineo (“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”) as Atom Smasher, Sarah Shahi (“Sex/Life,” “Rush Hour 3”) as Adrianna, Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Mummy”) as Ishmael, Quintessa Swindell (“Voyagers,” “Trinkets”) as Cyclone, Bodhi Sabongui (“A Million Little Things”) as Amon, and Pierce Brosnan (the “Mamma Mia!” and James Bond franchises) as Dr. Fate.

Collet-Serra directed from a screenplay by Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani, screen story by Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani, based on characters from DC. Black Adam was created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck. The film’s producers were Beau Flynn, Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia and Dany Garcia, with Richard Brener, Walter Hamada, Dave Neustadter, Chris Pan, Eric McLeod, Geoff Johns and Scott Sheldon.

“Black Adam” smashes into theatres and IMAX internationally beginning 19 October 2022 and in North America on October 21, 2022. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

This is the movie we didn’t know we needed! Check-out this new Trailer for DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS!

Synopsis:

Dwayne Johnson stars as the voice of Krypto the Super-Dog in Warner Bros. Pictures’ animated action adventure feature film “DC League of Super-Pets,” from director Jared Stern.

The film also stars the voices of Kevin Hart (the “Jumanji” and “Secret Life of Pets” films), Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live,” the “Magic School Bus Rides Again” films, “Ferdinand”), John Krasinski (the “Quiet Place” films, “Free Guy”), Vanessa Bayer (“Saturday Night Live,” “Office Christmas Party,” “Trainwreck”), Natasha Lyonne (“Show Dogs,” “Ballmastrz 9009”), Diego Luna (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Maya and the Three”), Marc Maron (“Joker,” “GLOW”), Thomas Middleditch (“Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie”), Ben Schwartz (“Sonic the Hedgehog,” “Duck Tales”), and Keanu Reeves (the “Matrix” and “John Wick” films).

In “DC League of Super-Pets,” Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack—Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel—to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release DC League of Super Pets May 20, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)