Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s newest cinematic enterprise, the biographical sports activities drama The Smashing Machine, delivered a knockout blow to expectations this weekend, opening to a mere $6 million domestically regardless of widespread launch and high-profile pageant buzz.
The movie, directed by Benny Safdie and starring Johnson as MMA fighter Mark Kerr, marked the actor’s lowest opening weekend ever, falling in need of pre-release projections that after hovered round $20 million.
Launched by A24 on October 3, The Smashing Machine follows Kerr’s rise in wrestling and UFC amid private battles with substance abuse, co-starring Emily Blunt as his girlfriend Daybreak Staples. Regardless of incomes reward for Johnson’s transformative efficiency—described by critics as “revelatory” and worthy of Oscar consideration—the film struggled to attach with audiences. It completed third on the field workplace, overshadowed by Taylor Swift’s live performance movie The Official Launch Social gathering of a Showgirl, which dominated with $33-34 million.
Trade analysts level to a number of elements for the flop. The movie’s deliberate pacing and deal with habit over typical sports activities drama tropes alienated Johnson’s core fanbase, accustomed to high-octane motion just like the Quick & Livid sequence. Its R-rating and arthouse positioning from A24 might have confused moviegoers anticipating a mainstream blockbuster, resulting in a B-minus CinemaScore and sparse theaters. Swift’s last-minute announcement stole premium screens and buzz, whereas the area of interest enchantment of wrestling biopics traditionally limits field workplace potential—earlier entries like The Iron Claw opened to only $4.8 million.
The $50 million manufacturing finances spells monetary hassle for A24, with losses estimated at $10-15 million after advertising prices, although backend offers might soften the influence. Early monitoring had promised A24’s second-best opening, however word-of-mouth from premieres at Venice and Toronto revealed a movie extra introspective than crowd-pleasing.
Johnson, undeterred, took to social media to specific gratitude, emphasizing creative dedication over business success: “You possibly can’t management field workplace outcomes—however what I spotted you possibly can management is your efficiency.”
Whereas the film holds a 74% on Rotten Tomatoes, its awards trajectory might undergo from the weak theatrical run.
As Hollywood grapples with post-pandemic restoration, The Smashing Machine’s stumble underscores the challenges of mixing star energy with status drama in a market favoring occasion movies.
