Curious about where “The Smashing Machine” was filmed? You aren’t alone. In this A24 sports drama, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson delivers the most transformative performance of his career. Directed by Benny Safdie (who took home the Silver Lion for Best Director at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival) the film tells the gripping true story of Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. Starring alongside Emily Blunt (who plays Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples), the film chronicles Kerr’s triumphs in the ring and his devastating struggle with addiction outside of it.
You can currently catch “The Smashing Machine” via Prime Video, Apple TV or HBO Max. But for travel lovers, the real draw is the setting. Ready to walk the same path that Johnson trained on? This guide explores the central filming locations, along with practical tips on what to see and do in each of these cinematic cities.
What To Know About ‘The Smashing Machine’ Filming Locations In Vancouver
Key Scenes: The most memorable fight sequences in “The Smashing Machine” were filmed at Vancouver’s Pride Fighting Championships recreation. Additionally, gym training montages and intimate moments between Mark Kerr and Dawn Staples were captured here. Production ran from May through July 2024, according to Hollywood North Buzz. Consequently, the city’s arenas transformed into Japanese MMA venues.
Best Time to Visit: To catch Vancouver at its best, plan your trip between May and September. The weather during these months is mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time for outdoor exploration. It is the perfect window for hunting down filming locations or simply soaking up the city’s stunning natural scenery without the gloom of the rainy season.
Transportation Options: Travelers should fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), as it is located just 30 minutes from downtown. Furthermore, car rentals and the efficient SkyTrain system make city navigation easy for visitors exploring where “The Smashing Machine” was filmed.
According to Hollywood North Buzz, production transformed the Pacific Coliseum. In addition, Rogers Arena’s entrance became Tokyo’s legendary venue for the Pride Fighting Championships. Hundreds of local background actors filled the stands. As a result, they recreated the electric atmosphere of late 1990s Japanese MMA events. So, while the film depicts fights across multiple Japanese venues, Vancouver’s versatility allowed seamless transformations.
Consequently, Safdie and his crew created a convincing illusion of Tokyo without leaving Canada. Production crews worked with Lions MMA gym to capture realistic training sequences. Meanwhile, the Pan Pacific Hotel hosted recreations of the Pride 7 Tokyo press conference. Locals spotted Johnson filming intense workout sequences downtown. The production utilized everything from gritty boxing gyms to sleek, modern fitness centers.
Things to Do: Take a break from the city noise and get lost in the lush, forested trails of Stanley Park. For those craving a view (and a little adrenaline), the Capilano Suspension Bridge offers breathtaking perspectives of the rainforest below. If you prefer food over heights, wander through the vibrant Granville Island Public Market to sample fresh local eats and artisanal goods.
Where to Eat: Even if you only have 24 hours in Vancouver, the culinary scene is worth the trip alone. If you have time for a sit-down meal, head to The Flying Pig in Gastown for some serious Canadian comfort food. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a day of sightseeing. Need to eat on the move? Grab a quick bite at the legendary Tacofino.
Where to Stay: If you are looking to splurge, the Fairmont Pacific Rim offers a true luxury experience complete with stunning views of both the city skyline and the mountains. For something a bit more trendy, check out OPUS Vancouver in Yaletown. It is stylish, colorful, and conveniently located near several potential filming zones.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, Helps Tell The American Side Of Kerr’s Story
Key Scenes: According to The Cinemaholic, production set up shop in Albuquerque in July 2024 to capture the grittier, domestic side of Kerr’s life. While the bright lights of the arenas were filmed elsewhere, Albuquerque stood in for Phoenix, representing Kerr’s home base. As Sportskeeda reports, this landscape was essential for grounding the story, serving as the backdrop for the intense American training camps and fight preparation sequences.
Best Time to Visit: For the best experience, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons: March to May or September to November. During these months, the temperatures are mild, and the summer crowds have thinned out. It’s the perfect time to explore New Mexico’s stark desert landscapes and hunt for “The Smashing Machine” locations without battling the intense heat.
Transportation Options: The easiest way to arrive is via Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), which offers direct flights from many major U.S. cities. Once you land, renting a car is highly recommended. Albuquerque is spread out, and having your own wheels is the best way to explore the city and the surrounding desert landscapes at your own pace.
Albuquerque wasn’t chosen by accident. Production crews selected the city for its authentic Southwestern architecture and vast desert landscapes, which provided a sharp, necessary contrast to the chaotic energy of the Japanese fight venues. Sitting at over 5,300 feet above sea level with the dramatic Sandia Mountains stretching to the east, the city offers a visually stunning backdrop that translates beautifully to the big screen.
To ensure the setting felt lived-in, the production leaned on local resources. According to the New Mexico Film Office, numerous local actors and extras were hired to add authenticity to the American sequences. As reported by 4Filming, the crew utilized specific neighborhoods and training facilities to convincingly portray the quiet, domestic side of Kerr’s life in between his major bouts.
To truly nail the time period, director Benny Safdie made some bold technical choices. Per Kodak, the movie was shot using a mix of 16mm and 65mm film, alongside vintage VHS cameras. This combination gave the New Mexico sequences a raw, grainy texture that perfectly mirrors the style of the original 2002 HBO documentary, on which the film is based.
Things to Do: For the best views in town, take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. It offers spectacular, panoramic vistas of the mountains and the city below. Immerse yourself in local culture by exploring historic Old Town Albuquerque, home to over 100 unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. For a full day of entertainment, visit the ABQ BioPark, which combines a zoo, aquarium and botanic garden all in one location.
Where to Eat: Sadie’s of New Mexico serves authentic New Mexican cuisine, including its famous salsa, making it a great place to explore the local cuisine. Alternatively, Frontier Restaurant offers legendary breakfast burritos that are a local staple.
Where to Stay: Hotel Chaco offers luxurious accommodations with a Native American-inspired design, providing a unique cultural backdrop for visitors. Meanwhile, Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town offers convenient access to historic sites.
Tokyo Also Shines On-screen In ‘The Smashing Machine’
Key Scenes: While Vancouver’s arenas stood in for the fight venues, the production team knew that to capture the soul of the story honestly, they had to go to the source. According to Soap Central, the cast and crew traveled to Tokyo to film the essential exterior shots that no set could replicate. By filming on location, they captured the neon-lit energy of the city streets and the specific vibe surrounding the Pride Fighting Championships, ensuring the film felt true to Mark Kerr’s legendary run in Japan.
Best Time to Visit: To experience Tokyo at its finest, aim for March to May or October to November. These seasons offer mild weather, perfect for walking the streets. As a bonus, you will be treated to the spectacular cherry blossoms in spring or vibrant foliage in the fall.
Transportation Options: Travelers can fly into Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND). Both offer direct flights globally. Tokyo’s extensive train and subway system makes navigation incredibly efficient for visitors exploring “The Smashing Machine” filming locations.
While the actual combat was staged in Canadian arenas, the soul of the film resides in Tokyo, Japan. Director Benny Safdie was committed to total realism, and filming on location was crucial for selling the illusion of Kerr’s career peak in the Pride Fighting Championships. The city’s unique energy (a clash of ultra-modern neon and historic tradition) perfectly encapsulated the vibe of the late ’90s MMA boom. By utilizing genuine Tokyo backdrops, these sequences achieved a gritty, documentary-like texture. The result is a film that feels less like a polished Hollywood drama and more like a raw, authentic window into the past.
Things to Do: Step back in time by visiting the historic and colorful Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa district. Immerse yourself in the “organized chaos” of the world’s most famous pedestrian intersection, the Shibuya Crossing. For the ultimate vantage point, head up the Tokyo Skytree for sweeping, panoramic views of the city skyline. If you need a moment of zen, the Meiji Jingu Shrine offers a peaceful forest retreat right in the heart of the bustling city.
Where to Eat: Tokyo is an excellent place for culinary exploration. Sushi Dai at Toyosu Market serves Tokyo’s freshest sushi. Meanwhile, Ichiran Ramen in Shibuya offers a unique solo dining experience with ramen.
Where to Stay: Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku offers luxury with stunning city views for travelers willing to splurge on their accommodation. Alternatively, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku provides a unique experience with its famous Godzilla head.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “The Smashing Machine” based on a true story?
Yes, the film is inspired by the real-life story of Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion who also won four ADCC World Championships. “The Smashing Machine” provides raw and unflinching insight into his battles both inside and outside the octagon.
Is The Rock wearing prosthetics in “The Smashing Machine”?
To disappear into the character of Mark Kerr, Johnson spent roughly three to four hours in the makeup chair every single day. According to Variety, he wore 13 to 14 facial prosthetics daily to alter his famous features. The team meticulously reshaped his hairline and nose, and even recreated the “cauliflower ear” signature to MMA fighters, ensuring he looked exactly like Kerr during his peak years.
