Dwayne Johnson’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ Opens at Career-Low $6M

The Smashing Machine Stumbles at Box Office with Dwayne Johnson’s Lowest Career Opening

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s new film has opened to disappointing numbers. “The Smashing Machine” earned just $6 million in its domestic debut. This marks the lowest opening weekend of Johnson’s major film career. The R-rated sports drama faced unexpected competition from a new Taylor Swift concert film.

The Smashing Machine Box Office Performance Details

The film secured third place at the domestic box office. It played in 3,345 theaters across the country. According to Variety, the opening fell far below initial projections of $20 million. The production budget for the film was reportedly $50 million before marketing costs.

This performance is a significant downturn for Johnson. He is known for headlining major blockbuster franchises. The film’s direct competition was formidable. Taylor Swift’s surprise concert film earned a massive $33 million over the same weekend.

Critical Acclaim Meets Commercial Challenges

“The Smashing Machine” previously earned strong critical praise. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival where director Benny Safdie won Best Director. The film is a dramatic departure from Johnson’s typical action-comedy roles. He plays real-life MMA fighter Mark Kerr, who struggled with substance abuse.

Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr’s girlfriend. The two actors previously shared the screen in “Jungle Cruise.” Despite the positive festival reception, this did not translate to broad audience turnout. The film’s serious tone and R-rating may have limited its appeal to Johnson’s family-friendly fan base.

The film’s commercial performance highlights the unpredictability of the current movie market, even for A-list stars like Dwayne Johnson. While The Smashing Machine aimed for awards prestige, its box office start is undeniably a setback.

Info at your fingertips

What is The Smashing Machine about?

The film is a sports drama based on the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr. It explores his career successes and his personal struggles with addiction. The story is inspired by a 2002 documentary of the same name.

How does this compare to other Dwayne Johnson movies?

This $6 million opening is the lowest of his career as a leading man. It contrasts sharply with openings for films like the “Jumanji” sequels and the “Fast & Furious” series, which often debut above $60 million.

Who directed The Smashing Machine?

Benny Safdie directed the film. This is his first solo directorial project after splitting from his brother and filmmaking partner, Josh Safdie.

What was the film’s budget?

The production budget for The Smashing Machine was $50 million. This does not include the additional millions spent on worldwide marketing and distribution.

Why did the film underperform?

Analysts point to intense competition from the surprise Taylor Swift concert film and the film’s serious, R-rated subject matter. This likely limited its appeal to Johnson’s core audience.

Trusted Sources
Variety, Associated Press, Reuters