The Rock’s latest film, The Smashing Machine, has finally hit the theaters. Despite its disappointing box office numbers, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle believes the movie deserves an Oscar.
The Smashing Machine is based on Mark Kerr’s life story and the struggles he faced throughout his career. The Rock played Kerr in the movie, and Kurt Angle shared that his on-screen transformation felt like a déjà vu moment for him.
Angle also reflected on his personal history with Mark Kerr as he defeated him to qualify for the Olympic Games. The veteran star gave his final verdict and felt that The Rock’s film deserves an Oscar and well-deserved recognition.
“Just watched The Smashing Machine. What a fantastic film that I believe will be considered a classic,” Angle said on his official Twitter (X) account. “Mark Kerr was “The Guy” I had to beat to qualify for the Olympic Games, which pushed me to transform into a version of myself I never thought I could be. Your story, beyond wrestling, is truly inspirational, my friend.
“For Dwayne Johnson to take on such a role and elevate it to another level in his career makes me consider him one of the greatest performers today. Watching Dwayne transform into Mark Kerr through this film was like deja vu…..no words, just applause. This movie deserves an Oscar, and I believe it will receive the recognition it merits. Well done, my brothers. #TheSmashing Machine”
The Rock reacts to The Smashing Machine’s poor performance at the box office
According to Variety, The Smashing Machine has recorded the worst box office opening of The Rock’s career, earning roughly $5.9 million domestically.
In response to this poor performance, The People’s Champion took to his official Instagram account and expressed gratitude toward those who watched the film. The Hollywood star remarked that in the world of storytelling, you can’t control box office results but can only work on your performance.
The Rock said, “From deep in my grateful bones, thank you to everyone who has watched “The Smashing Machine”. 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.
It 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. With deep gratitude, respect and radical empathy”
Read More: The Rock Took A Major Pay Cut To Star In ‘The Smashing Machine’ — Report
