What did Christopher Nolan say about Dwayne Johnson's performance in "The Smashing Machine"?

Nolan called Johnson's portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr "an incredible performance" and "heartbreaking," praising it as the best of the year.

How did "The Smashing Machine" perform at the box office?

The film opened to an underwhelming $6 million in 3,300 theaters, leading many to count it out. However, it has since become a critical success and potential awards contender.

What was unique about Dwayne Johnson's role in "The Smashing Machine"?

The film marked a significant departure from Johnson's typical blockbuster action persona, giving him a complex, angst-ridden character that challenged him to explore deeper emotional depths.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Dwayne Johnson's Indie Triumph: Nolan Praises "Heartbreaking" Performance in "The Smashing Machine"

Dwayne Johnson's Indie Triumph: Nolan Praises "Heartbreaking" Performance in "The Smashing Machine"

13 Nov

•

Summary

Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan calls Dwayne Johnson's performance "the best of the year"
Johnson's role in "The Smashing Machine" marks a major departure from his blockbuster action persona
Film overcomes underwhelming box office to become a critical success and potential awards contender

Dwayne Johnson's Indie Triumph: Nolan Praises "Heartbreaking" Performance in "The Smashing Machine"

In a shocking turn of events, acclaimed director Christopher Nolan has heaped praise on Dwayne Johnson's performance in the indie drama "The Smashing Machine." The film, which opened to underwhelming box office numbers in October 2025, has now become a critical success and a potential awards contender.

Nolan, known for his reserved public persona, gushed over Johnson's portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, calling it "an incredible performance" and "heartbreaking." The director's comments, made during a Directors Guild of America screening, have since gone viral, as they defy conventional wisdom about the film's prospects.