Dwayne Johnson responds to Smashing Machine box office results

Johnson responded to the disappointing performance of his independent drama on Instagram, noting that "you can't control box office results." He also expressed gratitude to director Benny Safdie for significantly impacting his life through the film.

Dwayne Johnson faced the worst box office opening of his career with “The Smashing Machine,” the A24 drama that debuted to a disappointing $5.9 million domestically. However, the actor is handling the situation with grace. On Instagram, Johnson stated, “You can’t control box office results,” and expressed his appreciation for director Benny Safdie, who has significantly influenced his life through the film, in which Johnson portrays MMA fighter Mark Kerr.

“From deep in my grateful bones, thank you to everyone who has watched ‘The Smashing Machine,'” Johnson posted. “In our storytelling world, you can’t control box office results—but what I realized you can control is your performance and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere. And I will always run to that opportunity.

“It was my honor to transform in this role for my director, Benny Safdie. Thank you brother for believing in me,” Johnson added. Truth is this film has changed my life. With deep gratitude, respect and radical empathy, DJ.”

"The Smashing Machine" debuted in third place at the box office, garnering $5.9 million from 3,345 venues, as reported by Variety. These ticket sales were below the projected range of $8 million to $15 million and were a career low for Johnson, surpassing his 2010 thriller "Faster," which earned $8.5 million (not adjusted for inflation). This performance also represents a setback for A24, which invested $50 million in production and spent several million more on promotional efforts, including appearances at the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals.

“The Smashing Machine” was largely acclaimed when it premiered at Venice, with Safdie winning the fest’s best director prize. Even reviews that were not favorable to the movie still praised Johnson’s leading turn, which has been widely tipped as a major contender in the Oscar race for best actor.

In the true story drama, Johnson portrays Kerr, the two-time UFC heavyweight champion, while Emily Blunt portrays Kerr's wife, Dawn, Staples. Kerr's professional highs and lows in MMA, as well as his substance addiction struggles, are depicted in the film, which also follows their volatile relationship. Kerr was a mixed martial artist who competed from 1997 to 2009, securing four ADCC World Championships during his career.

From A24, "The Smashing Machine" is currently appearing in theaters across the country.