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

Despite critical acclaim, the film struggled at the box office, marking a career-low opening for Dwayne Johnson.

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Nolan Hails Dwayne Johnson's 'Heartbreaking' Performance in 'The Smashing Machine'

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

Nolan described Johnson's portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr as "heartbreaking" and said it was one of the best performances he had seen in years.

Q: Why did Zoe Saldaña urge James Cameron to make an 'Avatar' documentary?

Saldaña wanted to "give us a chance to explain" the empowering nature of motion capture acting, which is a key part of the 'Avatar' franchise.

15 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Christopher Nolan praises Dwayne Johnson's acting in 'The Smashing Machine'
Zoe Saldaña urges James Cameron to make 'Avatar' documentary
Benny Safdie's film struggles at the box office despite critical acclaim

Nolan Hails Dwayne Johnson's 'Heartbreaking' Performance in 'The Smashing Machine'

In 2025, acclaimed director Christopher Nolan heaped praise on Dwayne Johnson's performance in the film 'The Smashing Machine.' Nolan, who had previously worked with the movie's director Benny Safdie on 'Oppenheimer,' described Johnson's portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr as "heartbreaking" and said it was one of the best performances he had seen in years.

Meanwhile, actress Zoe Saldaña, known for her roles in the 'Avatar' franchise, urged director James Cameron to create a documentary to "give us a chance to explain" the empowering nature of motion capture acting. Saldaña's comments highlighted the ongoing debate around the recognition and appreciation of this unique acting technique.