KO'd at the Box Office: The Smashing Machine Lands as a Career-Low for Dwayne Johnson

Writer-director Benny Safdie's A24 feature, which premiered in theaters over the weekend, centers on Johnson's portrayal of UFC Hall of Famer Mark Kerr as he confronts his opioid addiction and his combat career. The film's premiere weekend grossed $6 million, which was the lowest box office debut of Johnson's career, with the ambition of earning awards during awards season.

The star expressed his gratitude for being involved in the project on Monday, despite its lackluster commercial reception, on Instagram.

“From deep in my grateful bones, thank you to everyone who has watched The Smashing Machine,” Johnson wrote. “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.”

He continued, “It was my honor to transform in this role for my director Benny Safdie @bowedtie. Thank you brother for believing in me. Truth is this film has changed my life.”

The Smashing Machine, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival this summer, received a resounding reception and starred Emily Blunt as Kerr's then-girlfriend. Johnson and Blunt continue to be considered as Oscar contenders for the film.