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Dwayne Johnson remains proud that he took a swing with The Smashing Machine<\/em>.<\/p>\n Hitting theaters over the weekend, writer-director Benny Safdie\u2019s A24 feature centers on Johnson\u2019s portrayal of UFC Hall of Famer Mark Kerr<\/a> as he navigates his fighting career and opioid addiction. The film, which carries awards season aspirations, collected $6 million in its opening frame, marking the lowest box office debut<\/a> in Johnson\u2019s career.<\/p>\n More from The Hollywood Reporter<\/strong><\/p>\n The star took to Instagram<\/a> on Monday to express his appreciation for his involvement with the project, despite the muted commercial response. \u201cFrom deep in my grateful bones, thank you to everyone who has watched The Smashing Machine<\/em>,\u201d Johnson wrote. \u201cIn our storytelling world, you can\u2019t control box office results \u2014 but what I realized you can control is your performance, and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere. And I will always run to that opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n He continued, \u201cIt was my honor to transform in this role for my director Benny Safdie @bowedtie. Thank you brother for believing in me. Truth is this film has changed my life.\u201d<\/p>\n The Smashing Machine<\/em>, which co-stars Emily Blunt as Kerr\u2019s then-girlfriend, earned a rousing response<\/a> when it premiered over the summer at the Venice Film Festival. Johnson and Blunt continue to remain in the mix as Oscar contenders<\/a> for the movie.<\/p>\n In his review of The Smashing Machine<\/em><\/a> for The Hollywood Reporter<\/em>, critic Jordan Mintzer wrote of Johnson\u2019s performance, \u201cHe manages to go deep here without overdoing it, killing the audience with kindness as a benign warrior who suffers from one scene to the next, triumphing briefly in the ring before succumbing to addiction and\/or romantic grief.\u201d<\/p>\n During a recent interview with THR<\/em><\/a>, Kerr praised Johnson for the personal connections that he makes with everyone he meets: \u201cHe\u2019s completely, completely giving himself to you in the conversation he\u2019s having with you, which is just amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n Best of The Hollywood Reporter<\/strong><\/p>\n Sign up for THR’s Newsletter<\/a>. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n