Christopher Nolan believes Dwayne Johnson delivered performance of the year in ‘The Smashing Machine’
Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan has heaped huge praise on Dwayne Johnson for his performance in The Smashing Machine.
The new movie, courtesy of director Benny Safdie, opened in cinemas on October 3rd, 2025. While it has not performed exceptionally at the box office, it has been received well by the industry, including by Nolan.
In the A24 film, Johnson brings the real-life tale of Mark Kerr to the big screen. The retired fighter helped put the UFC on the map, and also dealt with huge personal problems, which led to him fighting for his life rather than a title belt.
During an interview with Safdie on The Director’s Cut, the Directors Guild of America’s podcast, Nolan said Johnson provided a “heartbreaking” performance in the movie.
He then noted, “I think it’s an incredible performance. I don’t think you’ll see a better performance this year or most other years.”
Nolan also said to Safdie, “Congratulations on the movie. It’s a really remarkable and radical piece of work that will be understood more and more over time. I’m very proud to know you.”
After The Smashing Machine recouped $6 million at the US box office during its opening weekend, Johnson took to social media to share his pride about the project.
The star wrote: “From deep in my grateful bones, thank you to everyone who has watched The Smashing Machine. In our storytelling world, you can’t control box office results – but what I realised you can control is your performance, and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere. And I will always run to that opportunity.”
Johnson already has plans to work with Safdie again as the Chicken Man in the Uncut Gems director’s next movie, Lizard Music.
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