Black Adam marked a challenging chapter for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. His hopes of becoming a central figure in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) took a hit. Additionally, his venture into football with the XFL ended when it merged with the USFL, dampening his ambitions there.
Around the same time, his sitcom, Young Rock, was canceled, prompting Johnson to return to WWE. Fans had mixed feelings about his attempts to dominate storylines, and he hasn’t been seen in the ring since March. Now, he’s shifting gears, focusing on movies that could earn him an Oscar nod.
He’s moving away from action films and is set to star in dramatic roles. This weekend, he will debut in A24’s biopic, The Smashing Machine, which focuses on Mark Kerr, a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).
As the year wraps up, Disney is trying to build excitement for December’s Avatar: Fire and Ash with a re-release of Avatar: The Way of Water. This time, viewers will get surprise previews of the upcoming sequel. However, unexpected competition is arriving from Taylor Swift, whose new film, Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, is predicted to dominate the box office this weekend, with estimates between $29 million and $31 million.
Some forecasts suggest that strong support from Swift’s fanbase could push the figure as high as $40 million. This success has meant some premium screens have been taken from both The Smashing Machine and Avatar: The Way of Water.
While Avatar is projected to add only about $3 million to its impressive global total of $2.3 billion, The Smashing Machine may struggle. It aims for a more modest $6 million to $7 million start, trailing behind One Battle After Another, which is in its second weekend.
It’s worth noting that box office performance doesn’t always dictate awards success. However, it’s a setback for Johnson, whose previous box office status is now unclear. Analysts attribute some of this drop in projected earnings to the popularity of Swift’s film.
The Smashing Machine has received a B- CinemaScore from audiences and currently holds 73% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, with an audience score of 79%. In comparison, Swift’s film boasts an A+ CinemaScore and a near-perfect 98% rating on the Popcornmeter, albeit from only two positive reviews so far.
This weekend’s box office offers an intriguing landscape. Will audiences lean toward the compelling narrative of The Smashing Machine or the electrifying energy of Taylor Swift’s latest release?
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Avatar: The Way of Water, The Smashing Machine, Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl