Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is expressing his genuine gratitude to audiences who have supported his latest film, “The Smashing Machine,” which opened over the weekend. In this movie, Johnson portrays MMA legend Mark Kerr, delving into Kerr’s rise to fame, struggles with painkiller addiction, and his relationship with his wife, Dawn Kerr. Despite the film’s less-than-stellar performance at the box office, Johnson’s portrayal has garnered attention for its depth and complexity.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Johnson reflected on the experience, stating, “From deep in my grateful bones, thank you to everyone who has watched ‘The Smashing Machine’. In our storytelling world, you can’t control box office results — but what I realized you can control is your performance, and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere.” This sentiment highlights Johnson’s desire to expand his range as an actor beyond his established action-hero persona.
His collaboration with director Benny Safdie has been pivotal in this artistic shift. Johnson expressed his appreciation for Safdie, thanking him for believing in his potential to take on more nuanced roles. He emphasized that this film has been a transformative experience for him, stating, “Truth is this film has changed my life.”
A24 Films, known for producing distinctive and thought-provoking cinema, released “The Smashing Machine.” While the box office figures remain modest, Johnson’s performance is generating award buzz, indicating a potential shift in how critics and audiences perceive him as an actor.
Johnson is already looking ahead, with plans to work again with Safdie on a project titled “Lizard Music.” This upcoming collaboration suggests that Johnson is committed to continuing his exploration of diverse roles and storytelling techniques.
As audiences respond to his latest film, Johnson remains focused on his craft, demonstrating a willingness to embrace challenges and push boundaries in his career. Despite the initial box office disappointment, he remains optimistic and motivated by the positive feedback from viewers who appreciate the depth of his latest performance.