The Dwayne Johnson Oscar biopic, “The Smashing Machine,” has taken streaming platforms by storm this holiday season, quickly rising on Starz’s global charts despite its underwhelming box office numbers. Released earlier this year and directed by Benny Safdie, the film’s success on demand may position Johnson as a contender in the Best Actor race at the Oscars.
Streaming Success Overcomes Box Office Results
After a run of unsuccessful big-budget projects, Dwayne Johnson’s latest role has captured viewers’ attention in a completely fresh way. “The Smashing Machine” rose to the fifth spot on Starz’s global top 10 according to FlixPatrol, putting it alongside other popular titles such as “Terrifier 3,” “Crank: High Voltage,” and entries in the “Rambo” franchise. While the film earned only $21 million at the worldwide box office against a $50 million budget, it resonated with audiences and critics alike. The movie scored a 72% rating from critics and an even more impressive 77% from fans on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting appreciation for Johnson’s performance and Safdie’s directorial vision.
An Authentic Portrayal of Mark Kerr
Directed by Benny Safdie in his first solo project, “The Smashing Machine” chronicles the life of Mark Kerr, a celebrated professional wrestler, martial artist, and UFC icon. Dwayne Johnson underwent a significant transformation to play Kerr, earning praise for his compelling depiction. The movie also features a strong supporting cast including Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples, Lyndsey Gavin, Ryan Bader, Zoe Kosovic, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk, Paul Lazenby, and James Moontasri. This ensemble has contributed to the film’s emotional depth and critical acclaim.
Johnson’s Upcoming Return to Adventure Films
Looking ahead, Dwayne Johnson will return to the big screen with “Jumanji 4,” marking a shift back to adventure comedy. Production has already begun at Universal Studios Hollywood, reuniting Johnson with co-stars Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black. Fans can also expect to see Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman, and Ser’Darius Blaine reprising their roles as the real-world teens. The sequel expands its cast further, adding Awkwafina, Brittany O’Grady, and Burn Gorman, who is set to play a major antagonist. Although plot details remain confidential, anticipation is high due to the franchise’s previous box office success and the return of the dynamic cast.
Impact and What Lies Ahead
The surge in streaming numbers for the Dwayne Johnson Oscar biopic demonstrates the growing influence of Video On Demand, especially during the holiday season. As “The Smashing Machine” garners buzz for Johnson’s performance, both critics and fans watch to see if he secures a Best Actor nomination at the next Oscars. In the meantime, audiences can stream the movie on Starz and look forward to Johnson’s upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated next installment in the “Jumanji” series. The continued achievements of Johnson, director Benny Safdie, and the talented ensemble cast solidify the film’s importance in the current entertainment landscape.
