Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Smashing Machine’ delivers the weakest opening of his career

Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine opened to a career-low $5.9 million in the U.S., marking a rare stumble for the global box office star and a tough weekend for A24.

The R-rated biopic, directed by Benny Safdie and centered on UFC champion Mark Kerr, was considered a passion project for Johnson, who first announced it at a UFC event in 2019. Despite early buzz from its Venice Film Festival premiere — including a lengthy standing ovation, strong reviews, and Safdie’s Silver Lion win — the film’s performance fell far below its projected $18–20 million debut.

Word of mouth quickly shifted after its Toronto premiere, where audiences learned the film was not a traditional underdog sports drama but a slow-burn story about addiction. The movie earned a B- CinemaScore, typical for A24 but challenging for mainstream appeal. Still, with a net budget of $50 million supported by tax credits and an estimated $35 million in foreign sales, the film is expected to lose a relatively modest $10–15 million.

A24’s marketing has been scrutinized, with critics arguing the studio relied too heavily on digital and tastemaker promotion while underreaching older audiences. Competing titles, especially Taylor Swift’s surprise Release Party for a Showgirl, also claimed premium screens and online attention.

Historically, wrestling-themed films face limited commercial ceilings, and The Smashing Machine still opened higher than several genre peers, including The Wrestler and The Iron Claw. Johnson, who took a significant pay cut for the project, responded positively to the release, saying the film changed his life and reaffirmed his dedication to challenging roles.

The star is expected to rebound with major upcoming releases, including Disney’s live-action Moana and Sony’s Jumanji 3 in 2026.