In 2025, Dwayne Johnson starred in A24’s The Smashing Machine, portraying former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, which earned him his first Golden Globe nomination. However, the film has recently lost its top position on HBO Max to another A24 release, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, which surged to number one within just one week.
Rapid Rise of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You on HBO Max
Mary Bronstein’s dark comedy-drama, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, has claimed the No. 1 spot on HBO Max as of February 1, surpassing The Smashing Machine according to FlixPatrol data. Starring Rose Byrne as Linda, the movie explores her struggles confronting her child’s mysterious illness and challenges in her personal relationships. Alongside Byrne, Conan O’Brien features as Linda’s therapist, with a supporting cast including Danielle Macdonald, Christian Slater, A$AP Rocky, Ivy Wolk, Josh Pais, and Bronstein herself.
Rose Byrne’s performance earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, marking her first win. She is also an Academy Award nominee for this role. The film has received strong acclaim, boasting a 92% critic score and a 79% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting widespread positive reception.
With her life crashing down around her, Linda attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist.
— Mary Bronstein, Writer/Director
Box Office and Critical Response to The Smashing Machine
Despite Dwayne Johnson’s breakthrough Golden Globe nomination and praise for his portrayal of Mark Kerr, The Smashing Machine struggled financially, grossing only $21.1 million worldwide against a $50 million budget according to Box Office Mojo. The film also earned a nomination for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling at the Academy Awards. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 70% critic score and a 74% audience rating.
Director Benny Safdie helmed The Smashing Machine, with Emily Blunt also receiving a Golden Globe nomination for her role as Dawn Staples. After the film’s release in October 2025, acclaimed director Christopher Nolan commended Johnson’s work during a screening hosted by the Director’s Guild of America.
It was the most inspiring thing anyone has ever said about me,
— Jonson, Actor
I was sitting next to my wife and I grabbed her hand so hard, and she squeezed my hand back,
— Jonson, Actor
Streaming Availability and Cast Details
Both The Smashing Machine and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You are currently available for streaming on HBO Max, providing viewers access to two of A24’s latest critically noted films.
The Smashing Machine stars include Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr and Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You features Rose Byrne as Linda, Delaney Quinn as her child, Mary Bronstein as Dr. Spring, and A$AP Rocky in the role of James, among others.
