The actor reflects on the box office disappointment, emphasizing the importance of performance over results

Dwayne Johnson Addresses Box Office Setback

October 7, 2025: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has spoken out following the disappointing opening of his latest film, The Smashing Machine, which debuted to a career-low $6 million over the weekend. Directed by Benny Safdie, the biopic explores the life of former UFC heavyweight Mark Kerr, chronicling his rise in the sport and struggles with addiction.

Gratitude and Reflection

Despite receiving critical acclaim and even a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, the film faced stiff competition from Taylor Swift’s The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, which dominated the box office with a $33 million debut. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Johnson expressed gratitude to those who supported the film, stating, “In our storytelling world, you can’t control box office results — but what you can control is your performance, and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere. And I will always run to that opportunity.” He also described the role as a transformative, life-changing experience.

Challenges Behind the Numbers

With a production budget of $50 million, the film is projected to face a financial shortfall. Analysts suggest that factors such as limited demographic appeal, an R-rating, and a digital-focused marketing campaign that failed to reach older audiences contributed to the film’s underwhelming box office performance.

Looking Ahead

Despite this setback, Johnson’s dedication to his craft remains strong. Industry insiders continue to praise his performance, and many believe the film may find success in awards circuits and on home viewing platforms in the future.