Dwayne Johnson, renowned for his box office appeal, took an ambitious turn this year with A24’s Oscar-aspiring MMA biopic, The Smashing Machine, but despite critical recognition and a Golden Globe nomination for Johnson, the film struggled commercially. Now, audiences will have another opportunity to watch Dwayne Johnson The Smashing Machine as it is set to begin streaming on HBO Max starting January 23.
Critical Response to The Smashing Machine
The Smashing Machine, directed and written by Benny Safdie, initially made waves at several film festivals with a perfect 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Over subsequent weeks, its rating settled at a still respectable 71%, earning the Certified Fresh label. Audience feedback, reflected in a 74% Popcornmeter score, suggested that some fans found the movie too slow and lacking in action, despite Johnson’s extensive promotion. These mixed responses correlated with the movie’s low financial returns; earning only $21 million globally against a $40 million budget, the film failed to meet box office expectations.
The film draws inspiration from the 2003 documentary centered around prominent MMA figure Mark Kerr, with Johnson portraying Kerr and Emily Blunt starring alongside as Dawn Staples. Although the film’s subject matter and dramatic approach marked a shift from Johnson’s usual action-heavy roles, its reception highlighted differing preferences between critics and his fan base.
Behind the Scenes and Future Collaborations
Filmmaker Benny Safdie played a key creative role, directing and scripting The Smashing Machine and engaging with Johnson for an Oscar push. The two are scheduled to join forces again on Lizard Music, another film eyeing awards consideration, where Johnson will take on the role of an older character. Safdie has recently appeared in acting roles across projects such as Oppenheimer, Happy Gilmore 2, and a minor part in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, further enhancing his profile in the entertainment industry.
Johnson’s Continued Presence in Blockbusters
Despite pivoting toward more dramatic and awards-focused projects, Dwayne Johnson has not left blockbuster films behind. He is currently shooting the third installment of the Jumanji series with collaborators Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Kevin Hart. Additionally, Johnson is expected to return as Luke Hobbs in the eleventh and final Fast & Furious film, with production slated to begin early next year. This continued involvement in action franchises demonstrates his intent to reach diverse moviegoers across multiple genres.
Availability and Cast of The Smashing Machine
The Smashing Machine will be available to stream on HBO Max starting January 23, offering viewers who missed its theatrical release a chance to judge the film for themselves. Dwayne Johnson leads as Mark Kerr, with Emily Blunt portraying Dawn Staples. The film’s arrival on streaming platforms may spark renewed interest and offer a fresh evaluation from streaming audiences.
As the industry observes whether The Smashing Machine finds new life beyond theaters, Johnson’s willingness to explore different film genres reflects changing patterns in Hollywood and his career. Attention now turns to how the film performs in the streaming landscape and what its trajectory means for future star-driven biographical movies.
