$15M Tracking for Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Smashing Machine,’ a Rocky Start No One Expected

Published 10/02/2025, 12:27 AM EDT

Dwayne Johnson, a human skyscraper whose biceps could probably double as tourist attractions, has long been Hollywood’s favorite cheat code. Netflix, Disney+, and AMC executives have treated his name like a guaranteed box office spell: sweat, charm, and blockbuster magic bundled into one. Yet, even a demi-god of pop culture cannot escape the humble reality of audience tracking, where early numbers whisper hints of an unexpectedly tepid reception for his latest cinematic endeavor.

While fans envision a Rock-sized explosion, tracking data tells a quieter tale, reminding everyone that even legendary muscles cannot always lift a movie’s box office fate.

Dwayne Johnson faces surprising chill from early Smashing Machine buzz

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Dwayne Johnson’s upcoming film, Smashing Machine, is facing unexpected headwinds, with initial tracking suggesting an opening weekend of around $15 million. On The Town with Matthew Belloni, Belloni and producer Geoff Shaevitz discussed the outlook, noting, “The tracking on Smashing Machine, it has come down over the last couple weeks. It’s at about 15 million.” For a star whose name is synonymous with blockbuster hits, these numbers indicate a surprising disconnect between the marketing push and audience interest.

This soft tracking presents a significant challenge for Dwayne Johnson, as an opening in the $15 million range is unusually low for a major theatrical release. Shaevitz added on the podcast, “It is not what the Rock’s fans might expect from a movie that is being marketed to them.” A weak start could mark a rare stumble for The Rock, potentially affecting both the film’s profitability and the types of projects Johnson pursues in the future.

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As numbers wobble, even a financial titan cannot hide the irony: a multibillion-dollar empire meets a single movie that refuses to flex the same muscle.

Smashing Machine tracking feels tiny against Dwayne Johnson’s empire

Dwayne Johnson’s Smashing Machine is tracking a modest $15 million opening and the figure seems almost comically small compared to his massive net worth. As of 2025, Johnson’s wealth is estimated at around $800 million, built from blockbuster films, wrestling, business ventures, and endorsement deals. He earns close to $100 million annually, with single-film salaries reaching $50 million, and his Teremana Tequila brand alone is valued at nearly $3.7 billion.

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Dwayne Johnson’s career has been a masterclass in wealth accumulation, from electrifying WWE audiences to headlining films that have grossed over $14.9 billion worldwide. Beyond movies, his Seven Bucks Productions, endorsements, and real estate holdings, including a $27.8 million Beverly Hills mansion and sprawling estates in Georgia and Florida, showcase a financial fortress built on diversified income streams. That a film of his could open modestly is a reminder that even Hollywood titans are not immune to market unpredictability.

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What are your thoughts on Dwayne Johnson’s Smashing Machine tracking and the disconnect between his fortune and box office numbers? Let us know in the comments below.

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Shraddha Priyadarshi

1017 articles

Shraddha is a content chameleon with 3 years of experience, expertly juggling entertainment and non-entertainment writing, from scriptwriting to reporting. Having a portfolio of over 2,000 articles, she has covered everything from Hollywood’s glitzy drama to the latest pop culture trends. With a knack for telling stories that keep readers hooked, Shraddha thrives on dissecting celebrity scandals and cultural moments.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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