Fans Shocked As The Rock Drops 27 Kg Of Muscle For New Movie Role—See His Dramatic Transformation!

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has shocked the world with a jaw-dropping transformation that left fans doing a double take. The 53-year-old WWE legend and Hollywood megastar shed nearly 27 kilograms of pure muscle for his upcoming role in The Smashing Machine, a biopic about former MMA fighter Mark Kerr.

The usually massive and ripped Johnson appeared on the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival looking almost unrecognizable in his leaner frame. But it wasn’t just his look that stunned the crowd—it was his powerful performance. His emotional portrayal of Kerr earned him a 15-minute standing ovation, with The Rock breaking down in tears as fans and critics cheered.

Fans Divided Over The Rock’s New Look

Photos and videos of his slimmer build quickly went viral on social media. Some fans expressed concern, worrying about his health after seeing such a drastic change. Others praised his dedication, noting that he looked “fitter than ever” and committed to his craft.

One fan wrote, “This doesn’t even look like The Rock—he’s completely transformed!” While another defended him, saying, “He’s an actor first here. This is what real dedication looks like.”

The Rock Explains Why He Did It

Speaking to the press, Johnson opened up about why he took on such a demanding role:

“In Hollywood, you get put in a box—action hero, blockbuster star, that’s your lane. But I’ve always had a voice inside saying, ‘What if there’s more? What if I can?’ This film gave me that chance.”

He credited director Benny Safdie and co-star Emily Blunt for pushing him to embrace this challenge.

A New Side Of The Rock

Fans who have followed his career—from WWE’s People’s Champion to one of the world’s biggest box office draws—are now seeing a whole new side of The Rock: a vulnerable, stripped-down version of himself, both physically and emotionally.

The Smashing Machine hits theaters on October 3, 2025, and judging by the Venice reaction, it could be one of Johnson’s most career-defining roles.