How Kazu Hiro transformed The Rock into the Smashing Machine

Kazu Hiro, renowned for his ability to make celebrities resemble other famous figures, has refined his craft over decades in the film industry. Initially working in special-effects makeup for sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy films, Hiro has recently concentrated on biographical dramas. His work on films like Darkest Hour, Bombshell, and Maestro earned him three Oscar nominations and two wins for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, including transformations of Gary Oldman into Winston Churchill, Charlize Theron into Megyn Kelly, and Bradley Cooper into Leonard Bernstein.

For his latest project, Hiro faced a new challenge: transforming Dwayne Johnson into MMA fighter Mark Kerr for The Smashing Machine. Its not just about makeup, Hiro explained, emphasizing that his approach enhances an actors features without concealing their performance. To start, Hiro created a 3D scan and lifecast of Johnson, producing a 3D model. From this, he developed two makeup versions: one aiming for a near-exact resemblance to Kerr, and another subtler design to suggest Kerrs essence on Johnsons face. Considering the demands of fight scenes and production time, Hiro chose the subtler option to maintain narrative flow.

The transformation included both subtle and more visible changes. Johnsons eyes, eyebrows, nose, and body scars were adjusted to resemble Kerr, while his often-bald head was covered with wigs for most of the film. In one scene, Hiro manually punched hair through a bald cap so Johnson, portraying Kerr, could shave his head. Audience perception of likeness depends on small details like hairline shape and placement, Hiro noted. These elements help bring the resemblance closer.

Hiros work extended beyond facial adjustments. As a fighting film, The Smashing Machine involved realistic injury and physical effects. Close-ups of Kerr getting a gash stitched and sequences showing the fighter using drugs were created with practical prosthetics and effects, such as a blood-filled fake arm over Johnsons own. Despite his personal discomfort with gore, Hiro took on the project due to Johnsons dedication. Actors often say they see their character in the mirror each morning, Hiro said. I provide the vehicle, but a skilled actor drives it.

Hiro began his career on genre films with notable prosthetics, including How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Planet of the Apes, and Hellboy. He later earned Oscar nominations for effects-heavy comedies like Click and Norbit. Today, he finds deeper fulfillment in biographical projects, inspired by his lifelong curiosity about human behavior. I studied people to understand what they think beneath the surface, Hiro shared. That fascination combined perfectly with my work in makeup.

Author: Ethan Caldwell