Men's Lifestyle October 3, 2025 0 Comments

Unlock the Mystery: When Will The Smashing Machine Finally Hit Your Screens?

Ever wondered if Dwayne Johnson, the guy we all know as the unstoppable “Rock,” could pull off an Oscar-worthy role? Well, early whispers from the critics suggest he might just smash it in The Smashing Machine. This isn’t just another action flick; it’s a gritty dive into the turbulent life of UFC legend Mark Kerr, grappling with the brutal highs and lows of fame and substance abuse. Directed by Benny Safdie, stepping solo after the acclaimed Uncut Gems, the film’s got that edge that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The Rock’s transformation has even been called a “revelation,” making you question—is this the performance that finally nails his spot among Hollywood’s finest? Now, if you’re wondering when you can catch this powerhouse on your couch instead of the big screen, spoiler: the wait might just test your patience. So, are you ready to witness a cinematic knockout or will the streaming delay throw you off? Either way, it’s one film to keep an eye on before the next Oscar buzz starts flying. LEARN MORE

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If early reviews have it right, Dwayne Johnson puts in an award-worthy performance in The Smashing Machine. The actor and former pro wrestler plays two-time UFC heavyweight champ Mark Kerr in the film, which portrays the fighter’s struggles with substance abuse throughout his career. If you’re looking to see if the Rock’s acting has what it takes to secure the Oscar, the film opens in theaters starting Friday, October 3. For everyone else waiting to stream at home, you might not want to miss out on this one before awards season.

The Smashing Machine is directed by Benny Safdie, who previously directed Uncut Gems with his brother, Josh. The Mark Kerr biopic marks his first solo film. The pair of brothers individually pursued other projects after Gems—Josh directed Marty Supreme with Timothée Chalamet (out this Christmas)—but both films will compete in the year’s Oscars cycle. The Smashing Machine is simply the first film of the two that’s stepped up to the plate.

According to critics, Safdie and Johnson hit it out the park. Variety called Johnson a “revelation,” while The Hollywood Reporter dubbed the actor’s performance his “most absorbing turn yet.” If you can’t make it out to the theater to catch the film on the big screen, here’s when The Smashing Machine will start playing at home.

Is The Smashing Machine Streaming?

The Smashing Machine will likely not appear on a streaming service until 2026. The film is currently playing in theaters, where it will remain for at least a month. From there, audiences should be able to rent the film on demand at home. A24 releases typically hit Amazon, Apple, YouTube, and all the other pay-per-view services about one month following their theatrical run. So we expect The Smashing Machine to follow suit sometime in November.

However, the gap to streaming for A24 films is usually four to five months. A24’s previous film, Warfare, began streaming on HBO Max in September this year, following a theatrical release that started in mid-April. So The Smashing Machine shouldn’t hit HBO Max until March or April 2026. If you’re looking to catch the film before Oscars seasons, you might be cutting it close. The next Academy Awards presentation is on March 16, 2026. You know what that means? This might just be one film you need to catch in the theaters.