The Smashing Machine's Box Office Battle: What Went Wrong & Where to Watch

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's highly anticipated dramatic turn in Benny Safdie's biopic, The Smashing Machine, earned critical praise and even early Oscar buzz for Johnson. However, despite the acclaim, this gritty A24 film struggled big-time at the box office. Let's break down why it didn't quite land the knockout punch commercially, and when you can finally catch it from your couch!

TL;DR

• Dwayne Johnson's transformative biopic, The Smashing Machine, was a critical darling but a commercial disappointment, struggling significantly at the box office.
• The R-rated A24 film pulled in approximately $19.5 million worldwide against a production budget of $50 million, making it one of Johnson's lowest-grossing films.
• You'll be able to stream The Smashing Machine on Premium Video On Demand (PVOD) starting November 4, 2025.

The Unexpected Fight: Why This Gritty Biopic Didn't Land a Box Office Knockout

We all know Dwayne Johnson as "The Rock," the mega-star who usually guarantees a blockbuster, whether he's starring in action-packed thrillers like Fast & Furious or family-friendly adventures like Jumanji. So, when news broke that he was tackling a serious, R-rated biopic from A24 – the studio behind critically acclaimed dramas – it felt like a major career pivot. And for his performance as MMA legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine, Johnson delivered. Critics raved, and the film even received a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.

But here’s the kicker: critical praise doesn’t always translate to box office success. After more than seventeen days in theaters, The Smashing Machine has only managed to scrape together about $11.1 million domestically (North America). Its international numbers have also been soft. While some reports, like Koimoi, put overseas earnings at around $8.4 million, others, such as Forbes, cited a lower $4 million internationally. Combining these figures gives us a worldwide total ranging from approximately $15.1 million (Forbes) to $19.5 million (Koimoi). Given that the film had an estimated production budget of $50 million (as reported by Variety), it’s clearly facing a significant financial uphill battle.

To put that in perspective, the film still needs over $30 million just to recover its production costs, let alone break even, which typically requires a film to earn about 2.5 times its budget – meaning The Smashing Machine would need around $125 million worldwide. With its current momentum, hitting that target feels pretty much impossible. This financial struggle highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry, reminding us that critical acclaim, Oscar buzz, and even a global superstar like Johnson aren't always enough to guarantee commercial victory.

Why Didn't The Smashing Machine 'Rock' the Box Office? Dissecting the Commercial Shortcomings

So, what went wrong? Several industry experts and reviewers have pointed to a few key factors that led to The Smashing Machine's underperformance, despite the strong buzz around Johnson’s acting chops:

• Confused Target Audience: For years, fans have flocked to see "The Rock" in specific types of roles – charming, action-packed, often larger-than-life characters. The Smashing Machine, however, is a slow, introspective character study about a man battling addiction and inner demons. This drastic shift likely left many of Johnson's usual fanbase scratching their heads, expecting another explosive blockbuster and instead getting a gritty drama. On the flip side, some cinephiles who typically gravitate towards A24's indie fare might have been hesitant to embrace a film starring an actor so deeply associated with mainstream blockbusters.
• Poor Release Strategy: A24 took a big swing by releasing this moderately budgeted ($50 million) drama in over 3,000 theaters, a move usually reserved for blockbusters. Typically, character-driven dramas benefit from a limited release to build word-of-mouth and critical momentum before expanding. Without strong international appeal – sports dramas often don't travel as well globally – a wide release for a film like this was a significant financial risk.
• Weak Marketing & Bad Timing: The marketing campaign, while highlighting Johnson's transformation, seemingly failed to clearly define who this movie was for and why audiences needed to see it immediately. Compounding this, the film opened on the same weekend as a major pop culture event (one article even mentioned a Taylor Swift release), which inevitably dominated attention and prime screens. Without a compelling "must-see-now" hook, many viewers opted to wait for the film to become available on streaming.
• Brand Mismatch: Dwayne Johnson's brand is built on charm, action, and undeniable star power. The Smashing Machine demanded vulnerability, internal struggle, and tragedy – a stark contrast to his established persona. While critics praised him for stepping out of his comfort zone, casual fans who associate "The Rock" with a specific kind of entertainment weren't ready to buy into this dramatic reinvention at the cinema.

Ultimately, The Smashing Machine serves as a fascinating case study. It reminds us that even with the biggest stars and critical acclaim, success at the box office requires a delicate alignment of audience expectations, marketing, timing, and brand identity.

A Deeper Look into Mark Kerr's Tumultuous Story and the Film's Narrative

For those unfamiliar, The Smashing Machine delves into the intense and often brutal life of Mark Kerr, a real-life MMA fighter and UFC champion. Directed by Benny Safdie in his first solo directorial effort (without his brother Josh), the film primarily focuses on Kerr's career and personal struggles between 1997 and 2000. It's based on the 2002 HBO documentary of the same name, "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr," directed by John Hyams.

The movie doesn't shy away from depicting Kerr's journey, which was riddled with substance abuse, particularly his struggles with opioid addiction. It also explores his complex, often chaotic relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples, played by the fantastic Emily Blunt. We see Kerr's transition from amateur wrestling into the burgeoning world of professional mixed martial arts, including his preparations for the Japanese Pride Fighting Championships.

Critics noted that Safdie took an "anti-documentary" approach, picking up from the peak of Kerr's career rather than giving a chronological narrative from scratch. The film recreated several scenes from the original documentary, dramatizing others, giving a visceral and raw portrayal of a fighter's existence, battles inside the ring, and the demons outside of it.

The Star Power: Transformative Performances That Stood Out

Despite its box office woes, one thing everyone agrees on is the stellar performances from its lead actors. Dwayne Johnson, in particular, has received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Mark Kerr.

Critics were quick to praise Johnson for completely abandoning his usual "larger-than-life Hollywood persona." Through transformative prosthetic work by Oscar-winning artist Kazu Hiro and sheer physical immersion, Johnson became "unrecognizable" – mind, body, and soul. Reviewers noted that "Gone is 'The Rock'," replaced by a Mark Kerr who is "obsessive, broken, and consumed by the grind." He plays Kerr as a "mannered man, despite his hulking mass, one with a quiet anger that can suddenly boil over." This was truly an "un-Rock-like performance," showcasing a vulnerability and nuance that many weren't sure he still possessed, delivering what many are calling his "most nuanced performance yet."

Right alongside him, Emily Blunt delivers an "equally ferocious turn" as Dawn Staples. She dives headfirst into the chaos, playing a woman torn between love, loyalty, and destruction, embodying a "wild, magnetic, and heartbreakingly human" character. The chemistry between Johnson and Blunt was described as burning with "volatility," creating a love story that feels "like Sid & Nancy reimagined for the MMA world." Blunt's performance has even been hailed as "astonishing" and a potential early Oscar frontrunner.

The film also features crucial performances from real-life MMA figures like Ryan Bader, who plays fellow fighter and friend Mark Coleman, and Bas Rutten, who portrays Kerr's trainer. Their involvement adds another layer of authenticity to the gritty, unglamorous world Safdie aimed to capture.

A Powerful Impact from the Real Mark Kerr

The real Mark Kerr himself found the film profoundly impactful. He shared, "When the movie showed at Venice, I couldn’t believe how emotionally impactful it was. It was like therapy with a thousand people in the room. It was a beautiful experience." This speaks volumes to the authenticity and emotional weight Johnson and Safdie brought to his story.

From Big Screen to Small: When and How to Stream The Smashing Machine

If you missed The Smashing Machine in theaters – and based on the box office numbers, many of us did – you won't have to wait much longer to see Dwayne Johnson's dramatic transformation. The film, which hit cinemas on October 3, 2025, is reportedly making its way to digital streaming via Premium Video On Demand (PVOD) very soon!

According to When to Stream, which is usually pretty accurate with these things, you can expect to see The Smashing Machine available on PVOD platforms starting Tuesday, November 4, 2025. It's important to note that A24, the studio behind the film, hasn't officially announced or confirmed this date, so it's always subject to change. But usually, these reports are right on the money!

When it drops, you'll likely find it on all the major digital outlets, including:

• Apple TV
• Fandango at Home
• Prime Video
• YouTube

And what about the price? Prime Video currently has The Smashing Machine listed for pre-order for purchase at $24.99. If you're looking to rent it for a 48-hour window, you can typically expect that to be about $5 less, so around $19.99. So, get ready to grab your popcorn and witness this intense biopic from the comfort of your home!

What Critics and Audiences Are Saying About This Gritty Biopic

The critical reception for The Smashing Machine has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly for its star. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a "fresh" rating of 70% from critics based on 282 reviews. The critics' consensus praises Johnson's "transformative turn as Mark Kerr," noting that the "gritty biopic sidesteps cliché even at the expense of narrative satisfaction while still landing the dramatic body blows that count."

Audiences also responded well, giving it a 76% "fresh" score on RT's Popcornmeter from over 500 verified user ratings. The audience summary states, "While The Smashing Machine may not break any records as a sports classic, Dwayne Johnson’s knockout performance transforms a familiar story into an unexpectedly memorable experience."

Reviewers consistently highlighted Benny Safdie's directorial style, with his "raw precision" and "unflinching eye" in capturing the "humble, brutal, and often savage origins of early mixed martial arts." Cinematographer Maceo Bishop's use of various formats (16mm, 70mm, VHS) was also lauded for evoking the "grain and texture of the late '90s and early 2000s," giving the film its "sweat-soaked soul." While some critics felt the script sometimes lacked a clear perspective or that Emily Blunt's character felt underserved, the overall consensus points to a film anchored by powerful performances and a unique, intimate take on the sports biopic genre.

Final Thoughts: The Rock's Big Swing Pays Off (Critically)

The Smashing Machine might have tapped out early at the box office, but it's clear that it delivered a powerful critical punch. Dwayne Johnson's courageous dive into a complex, dramatic role has redefined perceptions of his acting range, proving he's capable of much more than just flexing his muscles. Alongside Emily Blunt's blistering performance and Benny Safdie's distinct directorial vision, this A24 biopic offers a raw, intimate look into the life of Mark Kerr that resonated deeply with those who saw it. While its theatrical run might be winding down, its upcoming PVOD release gives everyone a chance to experience this compelling, R-rated drama and witness "The Rock" like never before.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Smashing Machine When is The Smashing Machine available for streaming? The Smashing Machine is expected to be released on Premium Video On Demand (PVOD) starting Tuesday, November 4, 2025. While not officially confirmed by A24, this date is widely reported by streaming trackers. What is The Smashing Machine rated? The film is rated R, indicating it contains mature content, which aligns with its gritty portrayal of addiction and the brutal world of MMA. Who does Dwayne Johnson play in The Smashing Machine? Dwayne Johnson portrays real-life MMA fighter and UFC champion Mark Kerr, known for his career highs and struggles with substance abuse. What is The Smashing Machine about? It's a biographical drama directed by Benny Safdie, chronicling the life and career of MMA pioneer Mark Kerr from 1997 to 2000, focusing on his fights, personal demons, and complex relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples. It's based on a 2002 HBO documentary. Sources

• Koimoi
• Box Office Mojo (data cited by Koimoi)
• Variety
• Collider.com
• Insights Magazine
• Forbes
• The Student Life
• Gulf Breeze News
• The Ithacan
• The Torch
• When to Stream
• Rotten Tomatoes