Dwayne Johnson comments on failure of "The Smashing Machine" after disappointing theatrical release

Dwayne Johnson broke his silence about the performance below expectations of "The Smashing Machine", his latest film, which opened grossing around US$6 million in its first weekend in the United States - the worst launch of the actor's career as a protagonist. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} The film marks a significant change in Johnson's trajectory. Known for big action and adventure blockbusters, the actor took on a dramatic role by playing former MMA champion Mark Kerr, in a production directed by Benny Safdie and also starring Emily Blunt. Despite a disappointing commercial reception, the film has been very well received by critics since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a long standing ovation and generated praise for Johnson's physical and emotional transformation. After the box office numbers were released, the actor published a message on social media stating that the financial success of a film is not always under the control of the artists. According to Johnson, what really matters is commitment to acting and dedication to the character. He thanked director Benny Safdie for his trust and said that playing Mark Kerr changed his life both professionally and personally. The declaration was seen as a demonstration of artistic maturity. Instead of exclusively lamenting the financial results, Johnson highlighted that his goal was to challenge himself as an actor, even though he knew that a biographical drama would hardly have the same commercial reach as franchises like "Jumanji", "Fast & Furious" or "Moana". Experts believe that, although the box office was disappointing, "The Smashing Machine" could gain traction during awards season thanks to Johnson's performance, considered by many critics to be the best of his career.