‘Awards Chatter’ Podcast: Dwayne Johnson on ‘The Smashing Machine’ and His Career
In front of 500 film students at Chapman University in Orange County, Dwayne Johnson reflected on his life, career, and his Oscar-buzzed role as Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie's A24 film The Smashing Machine. Johnson said,
“I was ready to chase the challenge and not chase the box office.”
In the film, Johnson portrays Mark Kerr, an early MMA fighter whose life took a dark turn.
Johnson’s Unique Position in Hollywood
This statement may seem unremarkable from most actors, but Johnson is far from ordinary. He is the most bankable movie star of his generation. Forbes named him the top-grossing actor worldwide in 2013, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024.
He ranks as the fifth-highest-grossing actor of all time, with 40 films mostly in action and family comedy genres. These movies have collectively grossed nearly $14 billion worldwide, averaging about $349.7 million per film.
Recent Box Office Achievements
- In the past year, Johnson had two movies debut at number one in the same month: Moana 2 and Red One.
- No other actor or actress has managed this feat in the last 27 years.
Because of his record, there is often an expectation that any film starring Johnson will become a blockbuster.
Author’s Summary
Dwayne Johnson’s career balances the pursuit of rewarding roles with blockbuster success, making him one of Hollywood’s most influential and bankable stars.