Dwayne Johnson is among the most popular actors working today. Now, his critically acclaimed movie “The Smashing Machine” is finally headed to HBO Max following a theatrical run. This comes as he’s gearing up for the release of the new “Jumanji” film in 2026.
GettyAccording to Variety, “The Smashing Machine, which is a biopic about MMA fighter Mark Kerr, will premiere on HBO Max on January 23. In additon to Johnson, the movie stars Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, and Bas Rutten. Benny Safdie directed the film, and it comes from A24.
‘The Smashing Machine’ Has Strong Reviews From Critics and Audiences
A24 released “The Smashing Machine” in October 2025. Although not a major box office success, the film earned praise from critics and audiences alike. It currently has a 71% on Rotten Tomatoes from 299 critics and a 74% based on more than 1,000 audience reviews.
The film also has solid reviews on Metacritic, with critics giving it a 65% rating, giving it a “generally favorable” distinction. Notably, there has also been awards buzz for “The Smashing Machine,” with some early critics saying Johnson could score an Oscar nomination.
So far, Johnson has scored a Best Actor Golden Globe nomination, while Blunt has received a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Regarding its box office, the movie opened with $5,841,662. According to Box Office Mojo, it went on to make $11,411,388.
Johnson responded to the lower-than-expected box office numbers on Instagram in October 2025. He said, “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. And I will always run to that opportunity.
It was my honor to transform in this role for my director Benny Safdie @bowedtie. Thank you brother for believing in me. Truth is this film has changed my life. With deep gratitude, respect and radical empathy.”
Dwayne Johnson Is Currently Filming ‘Jumanji’
Johnson has made two films in the “Jumanji” franchise. Now, he’s working on his third, which is set to be released on December 11, 2026. He took to Instagram in November 2025 to share footage from the cast’s first table read.
He said, “Officially kicking off production of JUMANJI, at our cast table read in Los Angeles – where we will film as well 👏🏾👏🏾 🥂 What a massive, fun, heartfelt adventure. Feels emotionally appropriate for our beloved JUMANJI franchise to end on this beautiful grace note of our final film.
Amazing to get the whole gang back together, and our jaws were hurting from laughing so hard 😂 We all talked about how much we’ve missed this kinda joy and fun 🥹😊 🤜🏾🤛🏻 Let’s make a good one. ‘…in order for you to end the game, you must save Jumanji and call out its name…'”
