Who is Mark Kerr?
Overview of 'The Smashing Machine'
Dwayne Johnson’s biographical drama, The Smashing Machine, depicts the life of former UFC champion Mark Kerr. Directed by Benny Safdie, known for Uncut Gems, the film explores Kerr's rise as a fighter from Ohio and the personal struggles with addiction and heartbreak he faced.
Release and Reception
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, where critics praised Johnson’s emotionally intense performance. To portray Kerr authentically, Johnson spent three to four hours daily in makeup, wearing numerous prosthetics to capture Kerr's look.
“Many believed ‘The Smashing Machine’ could finally bring Johnson his long-awaited Oscar recognition.”
Despite critical acclaim and Safdie’s authentic style, the film had difficulty attracting a large audience. After its October 3rd theatrical release, the A24 production grossed $20.2 million worldwide, falling short of its $40 million budget according to Koimoi. By early November, it was mostly removed from theaters and shifted quickly to streaming platforms.
Streaming Availability
The Smashing Machine is available for digital streaming sooner than initially expected, offering viewers an opportunity to watch Johnson’s bold performance at home.
“Dwayne Johnson's $40 million box office bomb arrives on digital sooner than expected.”
Author’s summary: Dwayne Johnson’s gritty portrayal of UFC fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine received strong critical praise but failed commercially, leading to an early digital release.