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Dwayne Johnson Reflects on Career-Worst Opening of 'The Smashing Machine': 'You Can't Control Box Office Results'
The film earned $5.9 million domestically, falling short of the $8 million to $15 million forecast despite critical acclaim and Johnson's Oscar-contender performance.
- The Smashing Machine cratered in third place across 3,345 venues with a $5.9 million opening, the lowest of Dwayne Johnson's career.
- Backed by a $50 million production budget, A24 promoted The Smashing Machine at Venice after a 15-minute standing ovation and Benny Safdie's best-director win.
- Three weeks ago, tracking placed the movie in the high teens to $20M range, but industry projections of $8 million to $15 million were missed as 64% 18-34 attended and Taylor Swift's release dominated premium screens.
- Analysts estimate a net loss around $10M to $15M after tax credits, limiting studio downside, but the box-office misfire is a significant setback for both Dwayne Johnson and A24.
- On Monday, the star posted gratitude on Instagram, calling the project life-changing, and he has major films opening July 10, 2026 and Dec. 11 next year.
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Dwayne Johnson reacts to Smashing Machine's box office flop with emotional statement
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has responded after his new film The Smashing Machine flopped at the box office to give the former wrestler the worst opening weekend of his career.
·City of Perth, Australia
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How Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Smashing Machine’ Went Down For The Count As Star’s Lowest Opening; Pic Will Bleed Little With $10M-$15M Loss
WWE vet Dwayne Johnson learned about his Achilles heel at the box office this weekend in Taylor Swift and Leonardo DiCaprio, after his R-rated drama The Smashing Machine, hit the mat as the blockbuster star’s lowest opening ever with $5.9M U.S. Indeed, this is quite upsetting for Johnson, for the…
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