Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shocked followers on the 2025 Venice Movie Pageant when he debuted a drastically slimmed-down physique, sparking concern and viral hypothesis on-line. Identified worldwide for his large construct and blockbuster motion roles, the 53-year-old actor appeared noticeably leaner as he walked the pink carpet in Italy. The transformation comes as Dwayne Johnson prepares for one among his most difficult roles but, portraying MMA legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s upcoming movie “The Smashing Machine.”

Clips and photographs circulating on social media present the 53-year-old actor wanting noticeably slimmer whereas stepping out in a lightweight blue patterned shirt tucked into black trousers. The often bulked-up WWE legend and motion star appeared leaner, with followers surprised on the stark distinction to his famously ripped construct.

“Yep, needed to do a double take,” one consumer wrote whereas sharing footage of Johnson strolling alongside buddies, whereas one other tweet with side-by-side pictures requested bluntly, “What occurred to him?”

Some followers speculated if his transformation may very well be tied to a well being subject, with one tweet studying, “Can somebody affirm if Dwayne Johnson has been reported to be recognized with any sickness of latest? Something associated to muscular dystrophy??!”

It seems that Dwayne Johnson’s slimmed-down look is for his upcoming movie, “The Smashing Machine.” The wrestler-turned-actor has reworked his physique to play MMA fighter Mark Kerr in director Benny Safdie’s drama.

Within the film, Johnson portrays UFC and MMA legend Kerr, whose rise was overshadowed by his struggles with prescription drug dependancy. Additionally starring within the movie is Emily Blunt, with whom Johnson has beforehand labored on Disney’s “Jungle Cruise.” Blunt will painting Kerr’s now-ex-wife, Daybreak Staples.

Regardless of preliminary fan concern over his leaner body, Dwayne Johnson’s bodily transformation is already producing critical awards chatter. The actor, lengthy recognized for headlining big-budget motion franchises and comedies, has shocked critics together with his dramatic flip in Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine.”

The Venice Movie Pageant, the place the movie made its debut, has turn out to be a launchpad for latest Greatest Actor Oscar winners, together with Brendan Fraser in “The Whale” and Adrien Brody in “The Brutalist.” With “The Smashing Machine” additionally being launched by A24, a studio with a observe report of awards success, Johnson’s efficiency is already being positioned as a possible contender.

Reflecting on his profession shift, Johnson admitted he’s been conscious of how Hollywood has historically typecast him. “The field workplace in our enterprise may be very loud,” he mentioned, per AP. “And it may possibly push you right into a class and right into a nook. That is your lane, that is what you do, this what individuals need you to be in and that is what Hollywood needs you to be. And I understood that. And I made these films, and I like them and so they have been enjoyable. And a few have been actually good and did properly and a few not so good.”

For Dwayne Johnson, getting into the footwear of MMA legend Mark Kerr wasn’t simply one other appearing gig. He admits it was a problem he had lengthy been ready for. Earlier than the premiere in Venice, the actor defined that the position gave him an opportunity to push past the boundaries of his well-established profession.

“I’ve for a very long time needed this,” Johnson admitted. “The transformation half was one thing I used to be actually hungry to do. I’ve been very lucky to have the profession that I’ve had and make the movies that I’ve, however there was simply this voice within me, this little voice, like what if I can do extra.”