Tue Oct 07 22:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s passion project, “The Smashing Machine,” a biopic about UFC champion Mark Kerr, underperformed at the box office, opening with just $5.9 million domestically. Despite initial positive buzz after its Venice Film Festival premiere and Johnson’s extensive promotion, the film failed to meet expectations. The movie’s subject matter—an athlete’s struggle with drug addiction—differed from a typical sports underdog story, leading to mixed audience reception. While the film’s budget is relatively low for a Johnson movie, its box office performance is in line with historical wrestling movies. Marketing strategies and the surprise success of Taylor Swift’s concert film also impacted the film’s debut. Despite the disappointing opening, industry insiders believe A24 continues to support the movie, with projections indicating it may only incur a small loss due to foreign sales and streaming deals.

**News Article:**

**”The Smashing Machine” Stumbles at Box Office: Dwayne Johnson’s Passion Project Fails to Connect with Audiences**

**LOS ANGELES (Deadline) -** Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s highly anticipated drama, “The Smashing Machine,” crashed at the box office this weekend, marking the blockbuster star’s lowest opening ever with a mere $5.9 million in the U.S. The film, an R-rated biopic about UFC champion Mark Kerr and his struggles with addiction, was a passion project for Johnson, who announced it back in 2019.

Despite a star-studded Venice Film Festival premiere, where it received a 15-minute standing ovation, and Johnson’s tireless promotional efforts, the film failed to resonate with audiences. Initial projections estimated a $15-$20 million opening, but word of mouth and the film’s darker subject matter likely contributed to its downfall.

“The Smashing Machine” veers away from a traditional underdog sports narrative, focusing on Kerr’s battle with drug addiction. This shift in focus may have alienated both Johnson’s typical fanbase and UFC enthusiasts.

Critics have also pointed to A24’s marketing strategy as a potential misstep, suggesting that the film needed a broader promotional campaign to reach a wider audience. The unexpected success of Taylor Swift’s concert film, which dominated premium large format screens, further hindered “The Smashing Machine”‘s potential.

However, the film’s financial outlook is not entirely bleak. With a net production cost of $50 million, bolstered by tax credits and foreign sales, “The Smashing Machine” is expected to only incur a modest loss. Additionally, A24 remains committed to the project and has secured a streaming deal with HBO Max.

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