Dwayne Johnson stars in wrestling biopic for A24, Starz revives Spartacus, and Ryan Murphy announces new FX series
The Smashing Machine (A24)
The Jungle Cruise team of Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt will reunite for the solo writing and directorial debut of Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, Good Time). Titled The Smashing Machine, the drama is based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000. Produced by A24 alongside Safdie’s Out for the Count banner, the film is set to begin shooting throughout Vancouver, British Columbia on May 21 through August 1.
Spartacus: House of Ashur (Starz)
Starz is reviving its popular Spartacus series, which is an alternate history from the original 2010 series’ storyline. It imagines a scenario where Ashur, who didn’t perish on Mount Vesuvius, receives ownership of Batiatus’ gladiator school for aiding the Romans in quashing Spartacus’ rebellion. Nick Tarabay will return in the title role, and creator Steven S. DeKnight is onboard as producer and principal writer. Lionsgate Television will produce the show, with Karen Bailey overseeing the series on behalf of Starz and Jocelyn Sabo for Lionsgate TV. The new season will begin recreating the Mediterranean throughout Los Angeles beginning on May 6.
Grotesquerie (FX)
Producer Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, Feud, American Crime Story) will oversee a new show for FX titled Grotesquerie. Starring Niecy Nash-Betts (who won an Emmy for Murphy’s Dahmer), the series has not revealed its full plot, through teaser Instagram post suggests the show will focus on modern desensitization to violence. The series will also co-star Courtney B. Vance (The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story) and Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread), with filming set to begin in Los Angeles on April 30.
