Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, the renowned wrestler-turned-actor, has surprised fans with a significantly slimmed-down physique at the Venice Film Festival.
The 53-year-old actor’s transformation is primarily for his role as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s film “The Smashing Machine,” which premiered in Venice.
The Role: Mark Kerr’s Portrayal Johnson underwent a substantial physical change to embody UFC and MMA legend Mark Kerr, a character known for battling prescription drug addiction.
In the film, Johnson appears "unrecognisable" due to heavy prosthetics and a black wig, alongside his co-star Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s now-ex-wife, Dawn Staples.
The film, produced by A24, delves into Kerr’s struggles with substance abuse, domestic issues, and his journey in the sporting world.
A Shift Towards Serious Acting
Beyond the physical requirements of the role, Johnson expressed a deep personal desire for this transformation, seeking to be recognised as a "serious actor".
He explained his long-held "burning desire" to explore roles beyond the typical box-office driven films that had "pushed [him] into a category and into a corner".
"I just had this burning desire and voice that was saying, ‘What if there is more and what if I can?’" Johnson stated, reflecting on feeling "pigeonholed" into certain types of characters.
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He questioned whether he was "living [his] dream or... other people’s dreams," leading him to pursue projects like "The Smashing Machine" that allow him to "go deep and intense and raw".
This film marks Johnson's first-ever film festival appearance.
Significant Weight and Muscle Loss
Fans on social media platform X jokingly dubbed him "The Pebble" due to his leaner appearance5.
Reports indicate Johnson has lost a staggering 60 pounds, or approximately 27.2 kilograms, along with a noticeable reduction in muscle mass.
This drastic change was evident at events like the Miu Miu Women’s Tales event and the film’s photocall in Venice.
Background on Health and Lifestyle
Adding further context to his transformation, Johnson revealed in June that he had been struggling with gut-related health issues for years.
He described seeing doctors for digestive problems that he "can’t quite nail" or "fix," despite feeling otherwise well.
This health background, coupled with his commitment to the role, suggests a broader "conscious medical and lifestyle shift".
"The Smashing Machine" is scheduled for release in cinemas on October 3.
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