Dwayne Johnson has earned fame starring in major Hollywood hits, often headlining franchises like Fast & Furious and Jumanji that attract a broad audience. However, as box office numbers declined and critics remained unimpressed, Johnson decided it was time to take a different path. He stepped away from his usual large-scale action roles to fully embrace a deeply dramatic character, a move that is quite rare in his successful career.
This change allowed Johnson to demonstrate a new dimension of his talent, known for delivering steady action performances. His latest film, The Smashing Machine, served as a test of this dramatic turn, gaining some positive buzz at film festivals for his compelling portrayal, despite faltering in widespread commercial appeal.
The Smashing Machine’s Underwhelming Theater Run Leads to Digital Release
A24 launched The Smashing Machine in theaters on October 3, expecting that the film’s combination of star power and gritty storytelling would spark awards conversations and generate solid box office returns. Set against a budget of $50 million, the movie aimed to be both critically acclaimed and profitable.
Instead, the film fell short on both fronts. While audiences who saw it generally responded well, the turnout was insufficient, culminating in a disappointing $20 million global box office haul after a full month on screens. The domestic opening weekend yielded only $5 million, far below early projections that estimated a $20 million debut.
As a result of this tepid theatrical response, A24 opted to release The Smashing Machine digitally on November 4. Now available on premium video-on-demand platforms such as Amazon and Fandango, viewers can rent the movie for $19.99 or purchase it outright for $24.99, gaining immediate access to Johnson’s dramatic showcase at home.
Why The Smashing Machine’s Digital Launch Matters for Audiences and Johnson’s Career
The quick move to digital deviates from A24’s usual release timeline, but aligns logically with the film’s performance in theaters. This shift provides fans and curious viewers alike with a more accessible way to watch the movie without a theater trip, potentially expanding the film’s reach beyond its initial underwhelming box office run.
For those interested in witnessing Dwayne Johnson’s dramatic capabilities, The Smashing Machine offers a unique glimpse into his range as an actor. Despite the film’s weaknesses, Johnson’s portrayal is widely regarded as his finest to date, earning notable Oscar buzz. The actor’s physical and emotional transformation to embody real-life fighter Mark Kerr stands out as a remarkable achievement, adding depth to a true story that could mark a significant evolution in Johnson’s artistic journey.
This role might well represent a pivotal moment for The Rock, signaling his continued pursuit of more demanding parts that differentiate him from the typical blockbuster hero and deepen his impact in the film industry.
“Anyone who is a fan of Dwayne Johnson or curious about what a dramatic performance from him is really like should absolutely check out The Smashing Machine.” ?Anonymous
