According to a new report, Dwayne Johnson was upset about The Smashing Machine‘s box office numbers. The sports drama opened to just $6 million on its opening weekend despite having a budget of $50 million. The film originally premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025. At the festival, writer-director Benny Safdie received the Silver Lion award for his work on the movie. Johnson underwent a considerable physical transformation for his role as Mark Kerr in the film.
Sources say Dwayne Johnson is heartbroken over box office numbers
A new report suggests that Dwayne Johnson is “heartbroken” over The Smashing Machine’s box office numbers.
This report comes from insider Rob Shuter. On #ShuterScoop, Shuter said a source told him the wrestler-actor “poured his soul” into the film. “He thought this was going to be his Gladiator moment — the film that finally got him an Oscar nod,” the source added. “The numbers devastated him.”
Another source shared that the film was “personal” for the Red One star as “he wanted to prove he’s more than just muscle.” “This wasn’t about money,” the source further stated. “It was about legacy. And right now, he’s wondering if Hollywood will ever see the artist behind The Rock.”
Shuter’s report comes after Johnson shared his thoughts on the film’s box office performance. In a recent Instagram post, the 53-year-old thanked fans for seeing the film. The actor didn’t seem fazed by the film’s low box office opening. He acknowledged that box office results couldn’t be controlled but that an actor’s performance could, saying he would “always run to that opportunity.” Further, he thanked Safdie for believing in him and admitted that the film changed his life.
The Smashing Machine is currently playing in theaters. As of writing, the film has a 72% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes‘ Tomatometer and 76% on the Popcornmeter.
The film revolves around Mark Kerr, an up-and-coming MMA fighter who dreams of becoming the world’s greatest fighter. However, his opioid addiction and complex relationship with girlfriend Dawn Staples complicate his journey.
The film also stars Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin, Zoe Kosovic, Oleksandr Usyk, Satoshi Ishii, and James Moontasri.
Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad for Mandatory.
