Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Dramatic 60-Pound Weight Loss Stuns Fans at Venice Film Festival

DWAYNE JOHNSON UNVEILED A RADICAL PHYSICAL TRANSFORMATION ON TUESDAY, LOSING APPROXIMATELY 60 POUNDS FOR HIS NEW FILM ROLE.

Venice, September 2, 2025 - Hollywood superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson surprised attendees at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival with a significantly leaner silhouette while promoting his upcoming biographical drama The Smashing Machine. Reports confirm Johnson shed around 60 pounds-dropping from roughly 300 lbs to 240 lbs-to authentically portray MMA legend Mark Kerr in the A24 production.

Johnson’s new look prompted a whirlwind of reactions on social media, from admiration to concern. Fans jokingly dubbed the actor “The Pebble,” while others speculated about the health implications of such a rapid transformation. At a press conference, Johnson acknowledged the shift as a deliberate artistic challenge, describing it as “something I was really hungry to do” to push beyond his established action-hero image.

Beyond mere aesthetics, Johnson’s approach to fitness for this role reflects a deeper, data-driven philosophy. In a recent interview, he revealed that a past misdiagnosis of a heart ailment actually stemmed from chronic gut health issues caused by long-term antibiotic use. This epiphany led him to prioritize internal health-focusing on energy, balance, and resilience-over purely muscular gains.

The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Emily Blunt, chronicles Mark Kerr’s triumphs in the UFC alongside his personal battles with addiction. Johnson’s willingness to undergo extreme weight loss underscores his commitment to authenticity and may signal a broader shift toward more nuanced, character-driven roles in his career.

With the film slated for wide release in October, Johnson’s transformation has already sparked early awards conversations and reaffirmed his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and dedicated performers.