- Dwayne Johnson’s A24 biopic, The Smashing Machine, suffered the lowest box office debut of his career, earning just $6 million.
- Despite the commercial failure, Johnson expressed immense pride in the project on social media, stating he cannot control box office outcomes.
- The film received critical acclaim after its Venice Film Festival premiere, with Johnson and co-star Emily Blunt still in the Oscar conversation.
- Johnson called the role of UFC Hall of Famer Mark Kerr a life-changing experience, emphasizing his commitment to the performance.
A Critical Hit, A Commercial Miss
Dwayne Johnson is facing a career lowlight as his latest film, The Smashing Machine, stumbled at the box office. The A24 feature, directed by Benny Safdie, brought in a mere $6 million during its opening weekend, marking the worst debut in Johnson’s extensive career. The film, which has significant awards season aspirations, tells the story of UFC champion Mark Kerr’s battle with addiction and his life in the ring.
Johnson Responds with Gratitude
In the face of the disappointing numbers, Johnson took to Instagram to share his feelings, choosing to focus on the craft rather than the commerce. He thanked everyone who watched the film and reflected on the nature of Hollywood.
“In our storytelling world, you can’t control box office results — but what I realized you can control is your performance, and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere,” Johnson wrote. “Truth is this film has changed my life.”
Oscar Buzz Amidst Box Office Woes
While audiences may not have shown up, critics have. The Smashing Machine, which co-stars Emily Blunt, earned a standing ovation and rave reviews when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Critics have widely praised Johnson for a transformative performance that starkly contrasts with his usual blockbuster roles. Both he and Blunt remain contenders in the upcoming Oscar race.
A Performance That Mattered
The real Mark Kerr also praised Johnson’s dedication to the role, highlighting the actor’s ability to connect personally. For Johnson, the muted commercial reception doesn’t diminish the pride he feels for what he considers a transformative and honorable role, proving that some victories aren’t measured in ticket sales.
Image Referance: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/dwayne-johnson-smashing-machine-box-office-response-1236394148/
