Dwayne Johnson addresses disappointing ‘The Smashing Machine’ return at the box office
Dwayne Johnson has reacted to his new film, The Smashing Machine, having a disappointing opening weekend at the box office, admitting, “You can’t control box office results.”
The actor, who stars opposite Emily Blunt in the movie as the former UFC champion fighter Mark Kerr, has taken on his most serious role with the most underwhelming box office results, after it merely amassed $6 million since its release on October 3rd.
However, Johnson took to Instagram on October 5th to express his gratitude for the experience of being in the film and the opportunities it has afforded him. He 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.”
He added: “It was my honour to transform in this role for my director Benny Safdie. Thank you brother for believing in me. Truth is this film has changed my life.”
The Smashing Machine received a rapturous critical response upon its premiere at the Venice Film Festival last month, where Johnson was seen crying as the film got a 15-minute standing ovation.
At the festival, the former professional wrestler spoke openly about him branching into the serious acting realm, after he has already made a name for himself at the centre of family blockbusters.
He said at the time that he had a “burning desire” to take on a major role like Kerr in The Smashing Machine.
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