Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson, widely known as The Rock, disclosed new insights into his weight loss journey at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Johnson revealed that his change in physique is linked to upcoming film projects that demand a different look.
Preparing for a Unique Character in ‘Lizard Music’
During TIFF’s In Conversation With… series on September 8, Johnson explained that he is currently
in the process of slimming down
in preparation for his next film with director Benny Safdie. Their prior collaboration, The Smashing Machine, received critical praise at the Venice Film Festival. For their new movie, Lizard Music, Johnson will take on the role of an unusual figure known as the Chicken Man.
We’re gonna make a film called Lizard Music, which is based off of a novel written by Daniel Pinkwater,
Johnson shared with TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. Describing his role further, he added,
It’s a very whimsical and eccentric 70-something-year-old man called the Chicken Man. And his best friend is a 70-something-year-old chicken.
Johnson humorously noted that playing this character means he is eating less chicken and said to the audience,
This is me slimmed down. In the process of slimming down. I still have a long ways to go.
Reflecting on Past Roles and Future Transformations
This decision to reduce weight follows his demanding role in The Smashing Machine, where he portrayed former UFC champion Mark Kerr. That role required Johnson to bulk up significantly and endure four hours of makeup and prosthetics each day. Reflecting on that experience, Johnson stated,
I get a chance to hopefully transform again like I was able to do in Smashing Machine. Can’t wait.
At the Venice Film Festival, Johnson expressed his desire for more dramatic roles, saying,
This transformation was something I was really hungry to do,
and further explained,
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?’
Upcoming Releases and Expectations
The Smashing Machine will premiere in theaters on October 3, 2025, while Lizard Music is expected to reveal a different side of Johnson’s acting range. Fans and critics alike await the new projects that highlight his commitment to challenging roles and physical transformations.
