The new biographical sports drama starring Dwayne Johnson, ‘The Smashing Machine’, debuted in third place at the US domestic box office.
The A24 film, which chronicles the life of former mixed martial artist Mark Kerr, took in an estimated $6 million over its opening weekend from 3,345 theaters.
The opening figure marks the lowest of Johnson’s career in a leading role. ‘The Smashing Machine’ placed behind Taylor Swift’s ‘The Official Release Party of a Showgirl’ at number one and ‘One Battle After Another’ in second place.
Directed by Benny Safdie, the movie stars Johnson as Kerr, with Emily Blunt co-starring as his girlfriend, Dawn Staples. The film also features supporting roles for former MMA champions Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten, as well as current heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Despite the box office performance, Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr has received warm reviews, generating discussion of a potential Oscar nomination.
In a statement on Sunday, production company A24 said the film “stands as a creative achievement that will resonate far beyond opening weekend.”
John Pollock and Wai Ting will release a review of The Smashing Machine exclusively for POST Wrestling Café members this Thursday, October 9.
