Dwayne Johnson’s Oscar biopic streaming debut arrives January 23 on HBO Max, following a box office run that fell short despite critical praise. Johnson’s role in A24’s “The Smashing Machine,” a film centered on MMA legend Mark Kerr, marks a sharp shift from his established blockbuster image, and the movie’s performance is drawing attention across the entertainment industry.
“The Smashing Machine” Moves to Streaming after Disappointing Ticket Sales
Earlier this year, Dwayne Johnson stepped into unfamiliar territory, leading “The Smashing Machine,” an A24 production with Oscar ambitions and a $40 million budget. Co-starring Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples, the film earned Johnson a Golden Globe nomination and was met initially with near-universal acclaim from critics at summer film festivals. At its peak, Rotten Tomatoes showed a perfect 100% score from critics, though that rating later settled to a still-respectable 71%, maintaining Certified Fresh status. The audience score, listed as 74% on the Popcornmeter, reflected some disappointment, with fans noting the film’s slower pacing and reduced action compared to Johnson’s previous work.
Despite the positive critical response and Johnson’s active promotion on social channels, “The Smashing Machine” struggled at the box office, earning just $21 million globally—roughly half its production cost. The result underscores the complicated reception the project encountered, indicating that Johnson’s fanbase may have expected a more action-driven feature.
From Documentary Roots to Ambitious Collaboration
Benny Safdie took on both writing and directing duties for “The Smashing Machine,” drawing inspiration from the 2003 documentary that depicted Mark Kerr’s life in mixed martial arts. Safdie, known not only for directing but also for recent acting roles in “Oppenheimer,” “Happy Gilmore 2,” and a cameo in “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” is set to collaborate again with Johnson in an upcoming project called “Lizard Music.” In this future Oscar-contending film, Johnson will portray a much older character, demonstrating his willingness to explore new territory in dramatic roles alongside Safdie.
Johnson Maintains His Place in Blockbuster Franchises
While pursuing dramatic recognition with projects like “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson has not turned his back on the blockbusters that built his career. He is currently filming the third installment of his popular action franchise “Jumanji,” starring alongside Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Kevin Hart. Additionally, he is expected to return as Luke Hobbs in the closing chapter of the Fast & Furious series, with production scheduled for early next year. Johnson continues to balance diverse projects, aiming to connect with a broad audience by operating across genres.
Looking Ahead for Johnson and “The Smashing Machine”
After its underwhelming box office results, “The Smashing Machine” will get a new chance to find its audience when it begins streaming on HBO Max on January 23. The move provides viewers with the opportunity to experience Johnson’s more contemplative performance from home, and it allows the film’s critical merits to reach beyond theatrical audiences. As more streaming updates emerge, the partnership between A24, Safdie, and Johnson may influence how high-profile actors approach genre shifts and Oscar aspirations in the streaming era.
