Fans shocked by The Rock’s lean new look for 'The Smashing Machine'

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has left fans stunned with a transformation few could have predicted. The 53-year-old actor, known for his powerhouse physique, appeared noticeably leaner during a recent public outing, having shed nearly 27 kilograms.

The drastic change isn’t accidental. Johnson altered his signature build to portray former MMA champion Mark Kerr in 'The Smashing Machine', a biopic that premiered at the Venice Film Festival this week. His commitment to the role has already paid off — the film earned a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation on Monday, cementing Johnson’s bold pivot toward more demanding dramatic work.

Kerr, once celebrated for his domination in the ring, also battled substance abuse and personal struggles. The film traces both his rise in MMA and his complicated relationship with his then-girlfriend, played by Emily Blunt. Directed by Benny Safdie, the feature is competing at the prestigious festival.

For Johnson, the project represents more than just a physical challenge. Speaking at a press conference, he admitted he had long felt boxed in by Hollywood’s expectations of him. “I understood that, and I made those movies, and I liked them, and they were fun,” he said. “Some were really good and did well, and some not so. But I had this burning desire and this voice that was saying, ‘What if? What if there is more, and what if I can?’”
With 'The Smashing Machine', Johnson seems determined to prove that there is indeed more — not just to his body of work, but to himself as an actor.