Dwayne Johnson’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ Finds Success on VOD After Box Office Struggles

LOS ANGELES, CA — Dwayne Johnson‘s new biopic, ‘The Smashing Machine,’ has encountered challenges at the box office but found success on video-on-demand (VOD). After debuting recently, the movie quickly climbed to the top spot in the United States and ranked in the top 10 in over 15 countries.

The film features Johnson portraying Mark Kerr, an early mixed martial arts fighter, alongside Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, and Andrew Tricoteux. Despite garnering only $20 million from a $50 million budget during its initial run in theaters, critics have praised Johnson’s transformative and intense performance.

In his role, Johnson not only gained 32 pounds of muscle but also showcased a level of emotional depth his past action-comedy roles hadn’t demanded. Critics have hailed it as his finest work yet, with accolades suggesting he should receive consideration for an Academy Award. “I don’t think you’ll see a finer performance this year or most years,” noted one industry expert.

While ‘The Smashing Machine’ struggled financially, Johnon’s reputation as a bankable star remains strong, and he is planning future projects that may further showcase his range, including an untitled Hawaiian crime biopic and a sequel to ‘Jumanji.’

Johnson spoke about the influence this film had on him personally during a podcast. He expressed that ‘The Smashing Machine’ represented a turning point in his career, allowing him to challenge himself in ways he hadn’t before. “It completely changed my life in ways that I didn’t anticipate, because of what it represents,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of listening to one’s instinct.

The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, where it received a 15-minute standing ovation, and it has since earned positive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, reinforcing the potential for its success on streaming platforms once released. ‘The Smashing Machine’ is available for rent or purchase starting November 4 on various digital platforms, further contributing to its global reach.