UFC Icon Defends Dwayne Johnson After The Smashing Machine Flops at the Box Office
Dwayne Johnson made a bold transition by portraying UFC legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. Departing from his usual blockbuster roles, Johnson delivered a raw depiction of addiction, redemption, and physical sacrifice. Despite critical acclaim and early Oscar buzz, the film underperformed commercially.
Bruce Buffer Reacts to the Film's Reception
UFC veteran Bruce Buffer expressed both admiration and disappointment regarding the film’s box-office results. During his podcast with TJ De Santis and Ray Longo, he praised the performances:
"It was a tour de force for The Rock and Emily Blunt. They did a fantastic job with what they were given."
Buffer also shared his hopes for the film's success, especially to benefit Mark Kerr:
"For the benefit of Mark Kerr, I was hoping it'd be a huge hit because I'd hope Mark had a piece of the action."
Creative Team and Production Details
Directed by Benny Safdie and produced by A24, the film abandoned the usual polished spectacle of Johnson’s movies. Instead, it presented the harsh reality of a man battling personal demons as fiercely as his opponents.
According to MMA Fighting, Johnson dedicated up to four hours daily in prosthetics to authentically portray Kerr's physical and emotional transformation.
Author’s Summary
Dwayne Johnson’s gritty role in The Smashing Machine won critical praise but disappointed commercially, leaving fans and collaborators hopeful for better recognition.
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