Dwayne Johnson’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ is finally available to stream — here’s the HBO release schedule
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has stepped back into living rooms. After a short and rough theatrical run, ‘The Smashing Machine’ is officially heading to streaming. This gives audiences another chance to watch Johnson disappear into the role of legendary mixed martial artist Mark Kerr. The film is directed by Benny Safdie and co-stars Emily Blunt. Johnson’s transformation into Kerr is so complete that it almost feels unsettling at first glance. Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, was once at the absolute top of his sport. He earned the nickname “The Smashing Machine” for how easily he dismantled opponents.
Outside the cage, though, things were less controlled. Kerr’s rise through the MMA ranks happens alongside his personal problems, including an unstable relationship and an addiction. Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples plays an important role in showing that side of the story. Their scenes together feel messy and uncomfortable. Intentionally so. Also, this isn’t the first time Kerr’s story has been explored. A documentary with the same title aired on HBO back in 2002, as per USA Today. Despite the excellent performances and heavy subject matter, ‘The Smashing Machine’ struggled to find its footing at the box office.
The film opened to just $6 million. Numbers, however, weren’t the point for Johnson this time. At least not according to him. Following the film’s release, Johnson took to Instagram with a message. He thanked viewers who showed up and admitted that while ticket sales can’t be controlled, effort can. In his words, “In our storytelling world, you can't control box office results — 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.”
That mindset has been building for a while. During a post-screening conversation at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, Johnson explained that, “[He] had waited for this opportunity for such a long time, to do something that challenged myself.” He also said he wanted more from himself. And he “pushed” for it. Now, the film is getting a second life on streaming. Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed that ‘The Smashing Machine’ begins streaming on HBO Max on Friday, January 23.
For viewers who still prefer traditional cable, the movie will also air on the HBO television channel the following night, Saturday, January 24, at 8 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. PT. The film initially hit theaters on October 3, 2025, and has already been available for digital purchase and rental. Platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home currently offer the movie. The film won’t be for everyone. It’s heavy. It’s rough around the edges. It doesn’t rush to make its lead character easy to cheer for. But for viewers curious about a different side of Johnson, the streaming release offers the perfect chance to see what he’s been talking about.
