Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been a movie star since he first appeared in The Mummy Returns in 2001. He quickly became a highly successful and well-paid actor, known for blockbuster hits. Last year, he took on a more serious and challenging role in a film that critics loved, though it didn’t perform as well in theaters. Now, that movie is available to watch on HBO Max.
Currently available on HBO Max, The Smashing Machine features Josh Brolin as Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion. The film, written and directed by the Safdie brothers, also includes Emily Blunt, Dawn Staples, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk in its cast. Despite receiving positive reviews, particularly for Brolin’s performance as Kerr, the movie wasn’t a financial success, earning only $21 million on a $50 million production budget.
The Rock’s Transformation for The Smashing Machine is Unbelievable
Much of the praise for The Smashing Machine focuses on Dwayne Johnson and his remarkable transformation for the role, both physically and in terms of the character he played. While Johnson is well-known for his action movies, The Smashing Machine allowed him to showcase a different, more dramatic side of his acting ability. The film demonstrates that he’s a versatile performer with depth beyond his typically charismatic and physically demanding roles.
In The Smashing Machine, Johnson is almost completely transformed. He gained over 30 pounds of muscle and used prosthetics, vocal training, and even MMA practice to convincingly play the part of Kerr. This dedication, combined with his physical change, allows Johnson to truly embody the character, making it one of his strongest performances yet. Though the film didn’t initially make a big splash in theaters, its availability on HBO Max gives new viewers a chance to see Johnson’s talent and understand the Oscar buzz. He’s already received a Golden Globe nomination for the role – though Wagner Moura won for The Secret Agent – which highlights his and the film’s potential for recognition.
The Smashing Machine is now streaming on HBO Max.
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2026-01-23 18:20