UFC Icon Supports Dwayne Johnson Amid Film's Box Office Struggles
Dwayne Johnson took a bold risk by portraying UFC legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. Known for his blockbuster charisma, Johnson abandoned this image for a raw, honest depiction of addiction, redemption, and physical hardship.
Critical Praise vs. Commercial Disappointment
Although the film received critical acclaim and sparked early Oscar buzz, its box office performance fell short, disappointing many, including UFC veteran Bruce Buffer.
“It was a tour de force for The Rock and Emily Blunt. They did a fantastic job with what they were given,” Buffer said. “For the benefit of Mark Kerr, I was hoping it'd be a huge hit because I'd hope Mark had a piece of the action.”
Film’s Approach and Production
Directed by Benny Safdie and produced by A24, the movie moves away from the usual polished spectacle of Johnson’s films. Instead, it focuses on the gritty reality of a man battling inner turmoil as intensely as his physical opponents.
MMA Fighting reported that Johnson spent up to four hours daily in prosthetics to convincingly transform into Kerr, both in and out of the octagon.
Summary
The film highlights Johnson's dramatic range, despite its commercial struggles, earning respect for its unvarnished portrayal of a fighter’s complex journey.