Dwayne Johnson Finds Liberation in ‘The Smashing Machine,’ Ditching Box Office Pressure
Los Angeles, CA – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is experiencing a career first: a complete detachment from box office expectations. In a recent interview, Johnson revealed that his latest film, The Smashing Machine, marks the first time he hasn’t fixated on commercial performance during a release, a significant shift for the actor known for blockbuster franchises like Jumanji and Moana. The film, a dramatic turn for the star, is slated for release in Australian cinemas on October 2nd, and in the US and UK on October 3rd.
Johnson, reflecting on the pressures of large-scale productions, confessed to a surprising kinship with the competitive dynamic of professional wrestling, joking with a friend about the inherent desire to see sibling rivalries play out – referencing boxing brothers like the Klitschkos and Charlos. he added, “I no this is wrong, but when they fight, I always wanna see them beat each other up’. And I can kinda see a little bit of that happening!” He feels secure in the support of co-star Benny safdie, contrasting it with his brother’s reliance on Timothée Chalamet for backing. This newfound freedom, he explained, stems from a collaborative process with safdie that prioritized artistic expression over commercial calculations.
Traditionally, Johnson described the lead-up to a film’s release as ”a scary time,” consumed by anxieties over the opening weekend’s performance, international appeal, and potential edits to cater to different markets.He acknowledged the mixed success of his previous big-budget films,but emphasized that The Smashing Machine felt different.”This was one for me,” he stated,quickly amending it to,”For us.”
The actor hinted at a potential recalibration of his future career choices, playfully suggesting he’ll need to discuss the matter with his “therapist benny” – Safdie – before returning to his previous mode of operation. Johnson believes the Smashing Machine may represent a definitive break from his established persona, a “smashing” of his previous professional constraints.
