The Rock’s Career Low: Dwayne Johnson’s Latest Film Stumbles at Box Office

Dwayne Johnson’s latest movie opened to just $5.9 million domestically. This marks the lowest box office debut of his entire career. The film, titled The Smashing Machine, is a biographical drama about UFC champion Mark Kerr.

The project was a passion piece for Johnson. It was directed by Benny Safdie, who recently won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

High Hopes and a Hard Reality for A24

The film had previously premiered at the Venice Film Festival to strong critical reviews. It received a lengthy standing ovation from the festival audience. However, its focus on Kerr’s struggles with addiction diverged from a typical sports underdog narrative.

According to Reuters, the movie earned a B- grade from audience polling firm CinemaScore. This indicates it failed to connect with mainstream moviegoers over the weekend. The film faced stiff competition, including a surprise release event for a Taylor Swift concert film.

Financial Fallout and Future Projects

With a production budget reported at $50 million, the film is projected to lose money. Industry analysis suggests losses could reach $10 to $15 million. The film’s marketing strategy, which heavily targeted online audiences, was criticized for missing older demographic groups.

Despite the commercial disappointment, Johnson has called the project a life-changing experience. He took a significant pay cut to star in the film. The actor is set to rebound with major upcoming roles in Disney’s live-action Moana and a new Jumanji sequel.

The unexpected box office result for Dwayne Johnson highlights the unpredictability of the film industry. Even major stars can face commercial setbacks with passion projects. Johnson’s career, however, remains on a strong trajectory with several blockbuster films already in production.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is The Smashing Machine about?

The film is a biographical drama about UFC champion Mark Kerr. It focuses heavily on his personal battles with addiction and painkiller use. The story is not a traditional sports underdog tale.

How much did the movie cost to make?

The production budget was approximately $50 million. This was partially offset by tax credits and foreign pre-sales. Despite this, the film is still expected to post a financial loss.

What did critics think of the film?

It received strong reviews after its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The director, Benny Safdie, won the Silver Lion award there. General audiences, however, gave it a more modest B- CinemaScore.

Why did the movie perform so poorly?

Analysts point to a marketing campaign that failed to reach older viewers. The challenging subject matter also limited its broad appeal. It also opened against other popular entertainment options.

What is next for Dwayne Johnson?

He is scheduled to star in Disney’s live-action Moana adaptation. A new Jumanji film is also in development for a 2026 release. These major studio projects are expected to be large commercial ventures.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter