After years of being confined to tough-guy roles following his WWE career, Dwayne Johnson took a bold step in 2025 with the release of The Smashing Machine. The film, focusing on the life of UFC champion Mark Kerr, found renewed success on streaming platforms in early 2026, redefining Johnson’s career trajectory.
Strong Debuts and Streaming Success Propel The Smashing Machine
The Smashing Machine premiered on HBO Max on January 23, 2026, quickly climbing to the top of the platform’s charts by ousting Leonardo DiCaprio’s One Battle After Another, which had held the number one spot for a month. It also outranked the crime comedy Sinners, which settled in third place. Alongside HBO Max, the sports biopic gained traction across multiple digital outlets; it secured the first position on Amazon PVOD in Canada at launch, briefly moved to the second spot two days later, and reached sixth place on iTunes. The film also saw viewership on Starz and Rakuten, indicating broad digital interest.
Exploring Mark Kerr’s Complex Journey Through MMA
Directed by Benny Safdie and written by him as well, The Smashing Machine focuses on the turbulent life of MMA legend Mark Kerr, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson. The cast also features Emily Blunt as Kerr’s wife Dawn Staples, with Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin, and Oleksandr Usyk contributing in supporting roles. The movie charts Kerr’s rise as a two-time UFC heavyweight champion during an intense and raw period in the sport’s early history. Beyond Kerr’s athletic achievements, the story reflects his personal battles with addiction and the toll the spotlight took on his marriage and mental health.
A Notable Shift for Dwayne Johnson Amid Hollywood Typecasting
For Johnson, The Smashing Machine represented a meaningful departure from his usual roles. In a press conference at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where the movie had its world premiere, he expressed long-held aspirations for such a project. Reflecting on his Hollywood experience, Johnson said,
“I have, for a long time, wanted this,”
highlighting his struggle with being typecast. He elaborated,
“The three of us have talked for a very long time about, when you’re in Hollywood — as we all know, it had become about box office. And you chase the box office, and the box office can be very loud, and it can become very resounding and it can push you into a category and a corner. This is your lane and this is what you do and this is what Hollywood wants you to do.”
Critical Acclaim and Award Recognition Affirm the Film’s Impact
The Smashing Machine earned mostly positive critiques, currently holding a 70% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a Certified Fresh badge, and a 74% audience score. The film’s achievements include an Oscar nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, underscoring its technical merits. Christopher Nolan, praising Johnson’s dramatic turn, remarked,
“I don’t think you’ll see a better performance this year or most other years. It’s a really remarkable and radical piece of work that will be understood more and more over time.”
Box Office Challenges Contrast Rising Streaming Popularity
Despite its critical praise, The Smashing Machine struggled financially, grossing $20.4 million against a $50 million production budget, marking it as a box office disappointment. Still, the film played a crucial role in helping Johnson move past his stereotyped roles, signaling a career evolution. Its growing streaming success, particularly on HBO Max, points to a longer-lasting audience appreciation that might redefine its legacy in years to come.
Cast Highlights Bring Depth to MMA Narrative
The lead performances anchor the film’s emotional and physical intensity. Dwayne Johnson embodies Mark Kerr’s raw determination and vulnerability, while Emily Blunt brings nuance to the role of Dawn Staples. The supporting cast, including MMA veteran Bas Rutten and professional boxer Oleksandr Usyk, adds credibility and texture, contributing to the authentic portrayal of the sport’s early era and Kerr’s personal trials.
