Hollywood actor and former WWE champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stunned fans with a drastically slimmer physique at the Venice Film Festival on Monday.
The 52-year-old star, long celebrated for his towering 300-pound frame, appeared nearly 60 pounds lighter, sparking widespread discussion about “what happened to The Rock.” Johnson revealed that the transformation was intentional, part of his preparation to play mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr in the upcoming biopic The Smashing Machine. The actor’s weight loss journey saw him reduce his size from 300 lbs to approximately 240 lbs. According to reports, he adopted a high-protein, low-sugar diet to replace his traditional high-calorie routine, aligning it with a specialised training programme.
Fans React on Social Media
Photos from the red carpet quickly went viral, showing Johnson in a loose-fitting shirt and formal trousers that emphasised his leaner build. Fans were quick to react online. “The Rock looks unrecognisable,” one user commented, while another wrote, “Unreal dedication to the craft!” Many expressed admiration for his commitment, while others admitted to being stunned by the sudden change.
Venice Premiere and Oscar Buzz
The Smashing Machine made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, with Johnson starring alongside Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s wife. Venice’s artistic director Alberto Barbera praised the actor’s performance, calling it “absolutely amazing,” and suggested that both Johnson and Blunt could be contenders in next year’s Oscar race.
While reviews of the film are still awaited, Johnson’s transformation has already made headlines worldwide. For fans wondering “what happened to The Rock,” the answer lies in his commitment to embodying Mark Kerr, a role that demanded a complete overhaul of his trademark physique.
