UFC Icon Defends Dwayne Johnson After The Smashing Machine Flops at the Box Office
Few Hollywood stars have taken a risk as bold as Dwayne Johnson's transformation into UFC legend Mark Kerr. In The Smashing Machine, Johnson stepped away from his usual blockbuster charisma to deliver a raw and honest portrayal of addiction, redemption, and physical sacrifice.
The film received critical acclaim, sparking early Oscar buzz, but its box-office performance was disappointing. This outcome left UFC veteran Bruce Buffer feeling disheartened.
Bruce Buffer’s Reaction
"It was a tour de force for The Rock and Emily Blunt. They did a fantastic job with what they were given. 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."
Buffer shared his thoughts on his podcast with TJ De Santis and Ray Longo, expressing both admiration for Johnson’s performance and concern over the movie's commercial results.
About the Film’s Production
Directed by Benny Safdie and produced by A24, the film departs from the polished spectacle typical of Johnson’s films. Instead, it reveals the bruised humanity of a man battling internal struggles alongside his opponents.
According to MMA Fighting, Johnson dedicated up to four hours daily in prosthetics to authentically portray Kerr's transformation both in and out of the cage.
Summary: Dwayne Johnson’s daring role in The Smashing Machine won critical acclaim and industry praise, yet its box-office disappointment contrasts with the powerful human story behind the film.