- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s new film, “The Smashing Machine,” set a record for the worst opening weekend of his career.
- The biopic about Syracuse University alumnus Mark Kerr grossed just $6 million against a $50 million production budget.
- Despite the box office failure, the A24 film has earned significant critical acclaim and standing ovations at film festivals.
- Experts point to Johnson’s dramatic turn and the limited appeal of sports dramas as reasons for the disappointing numbers.
A Devastating Box Office Blow
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s latest film, “The Smashing Machine,” has broken a box office record, but it’s one the studio and star were desperate to avoid. The biopic, which tells the story of former Syracuse wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, crashed and burned on its opening weekend, earning a shockingly low $6 million across more than 3,300 theaters.
This marks a new career low for Johnson, whose previous worst opening was $8.5 million for “Faster” in 2010. The numbers are a major blow for studio A24, which reportedly spent $50 million to produce the film, plus millions more on a promotional tour that included stops at the Venice and Toronto film festivals.
What Went Wrong?
According to industry reports from The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, several factors contributed to the disastrous opening. Analysts suggest that Johnson’s dramatic role was too far outside his blockbuster action comfort zone for mainstream audiences. Furthermore, experts told Variety that “sports dramas do not travel well overseas,” limiting the film’s international appeal. The film landed in a distant third place, far behind “One Battle After Another” ($11.1 million) and Taylor Swift’s “The Official Release Party of a Show Girl” ($33 million).
A Critical Darling Despite Flop
While audiences stayed away, critics have praised the film. “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Emily Blunt, has received standing ovations and acclaim for its gritty portrayal of Kerr’s battle with substance abuse. Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst for Comscore, told the AP that this move could be a calculated effort by Johnson to redefine his career. “When major movie stars branch out into more indie roles… they’re trying to redefine their career,” he explained. “That prestige factor. That’s the currency.”
Image Referance: https://www.syracuse.com/entertainment/2025/10/new-movie-about-syracuse-university-alumnus-breaks-a-box-office-record.html
