Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson turned heads at the Venice Film Festival with a noticeably leaner and more toned physique.
Johnson was presenting his new film The Smashing Machine, in which he portrays former MMA fighter Mark Kerr. For the role, he underwent a dramatic physical transformation, including a dark wig and prosthetics, making him almost unrecognizable.
Photos from the festival quickly sparked a buzz on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with fans noting that Johnson had shed a significant amount of muscle. Observers emphasized that his new look was not simply a result of dieting or digital effects—it was a deliberate, full-body transformation for the role and a new phase in his career.
“People are stunned to see The Rock so slim. This isn’t just a diet—it’s a serious medical and lifestyle undertaking,” one fan wrote. Reports suggest Johnson lost around 27 kilograms (roughly 60 pounds), drastically changing his iconic silhouette.
Johnson explained that his goal was to showcase himself as a serious actor, moving beyond his long-standing image as an action movie star. “I want to prove it to myself, not Hollywood, that I can handle deep, dramatic roles,” he said.
“In Hollywood, everything often comes down to box office numbers. I’ve made films that were successful—it was fun—but now I want to live my dream and take on roles that truly challenge me, exploring intense and emotionally complex stories,” Johnson added.
In The Smashing Machine, Johnson embodies Mark Kerr, a fighter who battled drug addiction and personal struggles while building a career in mixed martial arts. To prepare for the role, Johnson adjusted his usual training routine to suit the character’s physique. Director Benny Safdie even discussed the possibility of adding muscle for certain scenes, but the focus remained on Johnson’s natural transformation.
This project marked Johnson’s first presentation at an international film festival, and he admitted it was the first time he felt he was truly working on projects he personally wanted to pursue.