Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stunned fans at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, unveiling a dramatic weight loss transformation for his upcoming film The Smashing Machine.
The 53-year-old actor, known for his muscular physique, appeared nearly unrecognizable as he stepped out at the Miu Miu Women’s Tales event on August 30.
Johnson portrays former MMA champion Mark Kerr in the biographical drama directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Emily Blunt. To prepare for the role, the actor slimmed down significantly, combining physical transformation with the use of prosthetics and intensive makeup sessions lasting up to four hours daily.
The Rock has noticeably slimmed down while away from WWE. Pictured ahead of the Venice Film Festival, Dwayne Johnson has lost around 60 lbs. pic.twitter.com/0clSlxDFpN
— Cultaholic Wrestling (@Cultaholic) September 1, 2025
The Rock drops 28KG!
— Jack Billion (@jackkbillion) September 1, 2025
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shed nearly 28 kg to focus on health, agility, and longevity.
Doctors warned his physique could harm his long-term health.
Years of training left him feeling heavy and inflamed, with joint strain. pic.twitter.com/fwUSRklrqA
Wearing a silk, short-sleeved blue button-down with colorful sketches and black trousers, Johnson’s new look quickly went viral. Social media users expressed surprise, with some jokingly calling him “The Pebble” while others praised his commitment to the role. One fan wrote, “Had to do a double take—he looks completely different.”
Dwayne Johnson leaves the internet in shock with weight loss transformation at Venice: ‘The Rock turned into a pebble’
— Dr. Rishi Kumar IRS (@dr_rishi_irs) September 1, 2025
Credit:HT
Just don’t lose the charm, Dwayne, because even pebbles can cause a splash! pic.twitter.com/kBF2AaxUB0
At a September 1 press conference, Johnson explained his motivation: “This transformation was something I was really hungry to do. I’ve been fortunate in my career, but there was a voice inside of me saying, ‘What if I could do more?’”
The Smashing Machine, which chronicles Kerr’s rise and struggles in the MMA world, has already generated significant buzz. Many fans believe Johnson’s performance could mark a defining moment in his acting career, pushing him beyond his action-star persona.
With the film set to premiere later this year, Johnson’s transformation has not only sparked headlines but also raised anticipation for one of the most talked-about performances of 2025.
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