Actor Dwayne Johnson has shared insights into the significant transformation he undertook for his latest role, sparking conversations about his weight loss during the 2025 Venice Film Festival. The 53-year-old appeared notably leaner while promoting his new film, The Smashing Machine, attending multiple events throughout the weekend.
Johnson was joined by co-star Emily Blunt at the film’s photo call and premiere on Monday. Earlier, he made an appearance at Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales event wearing a blue button-down shirt and was photographed departing the city with Blunt on Tuesday morning.
The Emotional Reception of The Smashing Machine and Johnson’s Role
The Smashing Machine tells the story of Mark Kerr, a legendary mixed martial artist and UFC fighter, who was present for the premiere. The film reportedly received a 15-minute standing ovation, moving Johnson to tears during the event. This accolade highlights the emotional weight behind Johnson’s performance and the film’s impact on audiences.
Dwayne Johnson Discusses His Commitment to the Transformation
Reflecting on the demanding process behind his physical change, Johnson expressed a deep personal drive to push his boundaries.
“This transformation was something I was really hungry to do,”
he told The Hollywood Reporter.
“I had been very fortunate to have the career that I’ve had over the years and to make the films that I’ve made, but there was just a voice inside of me, a little voice that said, ‘Well, what if I could do more — I want to do more and what does that look like?’”
The transformation involved not only a change in his physique but also extensive makeup and prosthetics. He described the process to Vanity Fair, saying,
“I just sat in front of that mirror for three to four hours and watched it all change. There were about 13 or 14 different prosthetics. Subtle, yet I think very impactful.”
Significance of the Transformation for Johnson’s Career
This role marks a milestone in Johnson’s career, showcasing his willingness to take on more challenging and diverse parts that differ from his traditional roles. The intense preparation and physical transformation underscore his dedication to authenticity and storytelling in film. Following the positive reception at Venice, expectations are high for the film’s success and Johnson’s continued evolution as an actor.
