Ever wondered what happens when a Hollywood heavyweight takes on a gritty, real-life story? Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's The Smashing Machine promised to be a game-changer, but its journey has been anything but smooth. Based on the 2002 documentary of the same name, this film dives into the tumultuous life of Mark Kerr, an extreme wrestler and MMA fighter grappling with personal and professional battles. Directed by Benny Safdie (one half of the acclaimed Safdie brothers behind Good Time and Uncut Gems), the movie also explores Kerr's toxic relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. But here's where it gets controversial: despite its critical acclaim and a Silver Lion win at the Venice Film Festival, The Smashing Machine bombed at the box office, earning just $6 million against a $50 million budget—Johnson's worst opening weekend ever. So, was it a masterpiece misunderstood, or a misstep in storytelling?
If you missed its brief theatrical run, you’re in luck. As of November 4, 2025, A24 has brought The Smashing Machine to PVOD platforms like Prime Video, YouTube, and Fandango at Home. Renting it will cost you $19.99, while buying a digital copy starts at $24.99. For physical media enthusiasts, the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions are up for pre-order on the A24 website, expected to ship in January 2026. And this is the part most people miss: the Blu-ray comes packed with exclusive bonus features, including a director’s commentary by Benny Safdie, a featurette titled What It Means to be a Fighter, deleted scenes, and even a set of collectible postcards. A24’s in-house physical releases are known for their premium packaging, making this a collector’s dream.
Despite its financial flop, the film has earned praise for its raw, subversive take on the MMA world. Bill Bria of /Film called it a drama that packs a subversive punch, and its festival accolades speak to its artistic merit. Yet, the question remains: why didn’t audiences show up? Was it the subject matter, the marketing, or something else entirely? Is The Smashing Machine a hidden gem or a cautionary tale for Hollywood?
Interestingly, the box office failure hasn’t deterred Safdie and Johnson from teaming up again. Their next project, Lizard Music, an adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater’s sci-fi/fantasy novel, is already in the works at Amazon MGM. But as we await their next collaboration, The Smashing Machine stands as a fascinating study in ambition, risk, and the unpredictable nature of filmmaking.
What do you think? Did The Smashing Machine deserve its fate, or was it ahead of its time? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this polarizing film!
