‘The Smashing Machine’ Sets HBO Max Release Date

Audiences will get a second chance to see Dwayne Johnson‘s most dramatic transformation of his career when “The Smashing Machine” lands on HBO Max on Jan. 23.

Helmed by Benny Safdie, “The Smashing Machine” is a biopic about two-time UFC heavyweight champ Mark Kerr. In addition to Johnson, the film stars Emily Blunt as Kerr’s wife Dawn Staples, Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin and Oleksandr Usyk.

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Kerr was a mixed martial artist who fought from 1997 to 2009, winning four ADCC World Championships in his career. Safdie, who co-directed and wrote “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time” with his brother Josh, made his solo directorial feature debut with the film.

“The Smashing Machine” is Johnson and Blunt’s second collaboration since Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” in 2021, and they’re set to collaborate with Leonardo DiCaprio on a Hawaiian crime thriller from Martin Scorsese.

Despite having a low box office opening of $5.9 million domestically, Johnson has maintained a positive outlook about the project and working with Safdie.

“From deep in my grateful bones, thank you to everyone who has watched ‘The Smashing Machine,’” Johnson posted on Instagram after opening weekend. “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. And I will always run to that opportunity.

“It was my honor to transform in this role for my director, Benny Safdie. Thank you brother for believing in me,” Johnson added. Truth is this film has changed my life. With deep gratitude, respect and radical empathy, DJ.”