‘The Smashing Machine’ Hits Digital Platforms; HBO Max Release Expected

Dwayne Johnson’s film, The Smashing Machine, is set to debut on digital platforms starting November 4, 2023. Although the movie did not achieve significant critical acclaim or box office success, it offers a new opportunity for audiences to engage with the story of extreme fighter Mark Kerr. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film is inspired by the 2002 documentary, The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.

In this biographical drama, Johnson portrays Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, while Emily Blunt takes on the role of Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples. The film also features appearances by Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk. Despite a production budget of approximately $50 million, the film only grossed $19.7 million worldwide, raising questions about its box office viability.

With the release on digital platforms, there is hope that The Smashing Machine will find its audience at home. Starting at 12 a.m. Eastern Time on November 4 (or 9 p.m. Pacific Time on November 3), viewers can purchase a digital copy of the film on various platforms, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. Pricing may differ by platform, with Amazon currently listing the film for $24.99 for pre-order.

While the film is not yet available for rent or on subscription streaming services, it is anticipated to be available on HBO Max in the future. This expectation is based on a recent agreement between A24 and Warner Bros. Discovery, which allows A24 films to stream on HBO Max after their digital and home media releases.

The exact streaming release date for The Smashing Machine on HBO Max has not been confirmed. However, based on the release pattern of other A24 titles, it can be speculated that the film may be available for streaming around early February 2024. For instance, another A24 film, Eddington, is set to stream on HBO Max starting on November 14, 2023, approximately four months after its theatrical release and three months after its digital release.

For those eager to watch The Smashing Machine immediately, the digital purchase will be the only option until it becomes available on HBO Max. The subscription service offers plans starting at $10.99 per month with ads, while the ad-free version is priced at $18.49 per month.

As audiences anticipate the home viewing experience, the hope is that The Smashing Machine will connect with viewers more effectively than it did in theaters.