Washington, April 3 -- 'The Smashing Machine,' which stars actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, has locked in an October 3 theatrical release this year, reported Deadline.

The film, directed by Benny Safdie, is set to bring the life story of MMA legend Mark Kerr to the big screen.

According to Deadline, the announcement follows reports that Lionsgate's Michael Jackson biopic is reconsidering its release strategy and may delay its debut.

With 'The Smashing Machine' stepping into that slot, it will now compete at the box office against two other big films--Paramount's Roofman, starring Channing Tatum, and Neon's horror film The Keeper, directed by Oz Perkins.

Safdie not only directed but also wrote and produced the film. The Smashing Machin...