Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ Opens to Career-Worst Box Office
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ Opens to Career-Worst Box Office
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s latest film, “The Smashing Machine,” has opened to a disappointing $6 million in its debut weekend, marking the lowest box office performance of the star’s career. The biopic, which tells the story of former Syracuse wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, placed third at the box office, trailing significantly behind Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” ($11.1 million) and Taylor Swift’s “The Official Release Party of a Show Girl” ($33 million).
The dismal opening weekend, which saw the film gross well below early projections of up to $20 million, represents a significant setback for Johnson, whose previous career low was $8.5 million for 2010’s “Faster.” For studio A24, the numbers are particularly concerning given the reported $50 million production budget and substantial marketing efforts, including appearances at major film festivals like Venice and Toronto.
Industry analysts point to several factors for the unexpected flop, including a considerable paycheck for Johnson in a dramatic role far removed from his usual action blockbusters, the common disconnect between critical acclaim and box office receipts, and limited international appeal for sports dramas. Despite the financial struggles, “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Emily Blunt, has garnered critical praise and standing ovations, suggesting a potential shift in Johnson’s career focus towards more prestige-driven projects.
The film delves into the life of Mark Kerr, a Syracuse University alumnus and early UFC star, chronicling his battle with substance abuse and his attempted comeback in MMA. Kerr, who was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame earlier this year, is portrayed by Johnson in a gritty, dramatic performance.
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