Dwayne Johnson recently disclosed that his significant weight loss is connected to an upcoming role where he portrays a 70-year-old man whose closest companion is a chicken. This transformation is part of his preparation for the film “Lizard Music.”
Shift From MMA Fighter to Elderly Adventurer
Known for his muscular build, Johnson surprised fans at the Venice Film Festival premiere of “The Smashing Machine,” where he appeared noticeably slimmer. The movie, in which he plays MMA fighter Mark Kerr, marks a departure from the physique that had become part of his signature image.
During a career retrospective event at the Toronto Film Festival on September 8, Johnson explained that the weight loss was a deliberate artistic choice to take on the role of Chicken Man in “Lizard Music.” He is reuniting with Benny Safdie, the director of “The Smashing Machine,” for this project based on Daniel Pinkwater’s novel. The story follows an elderly figure and a young boy on an extraordinary adventure.
Commitment to Physical Transformation for “Lizard Music”
Johnson shared details about the role during the talk, saying,
“And after about 45 minutes, this pitch ended and I said, ‘I am your Chicken Man.’”
He confirmed that he has lost 30 pounds of muscle since completing “The Smashing Machine” and acknowledged the challenge ahead:
“I still have a long ways to go.”
The actor also spoke about his excitement to embrace this new transformation, joking about diet changes,
“I’m so excited to get a chance to hopefully transform again like I was able to do in ‘Smashing Machine. (It means) eating less chicken.”
Critical Acclaim for “The Smashing Machine” and Its Impact
“The Smashing Machine” has been well received, earning Johnson some of the strongest reviews of his career and sparking Oscar buzz. NME praised the film as
“a thoroughly entertaining sports biopic that packs one hell of a sentimental gutpunch. It’s smashing stuff.”
Following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 1, the film was honored with a 15-minute standing ovation, and Johnson was seen visibly moved to tears during the event.
Looking Ahead to Another Transformative Role
Dwayne Johnson’s commitment to physically changing for “Lizard Music” highlights his dedication to evolving as an actor. This new role as the 70-year-old Chicken Man promises a fresh challenge and a fascinating departure from his previous characters. Fans and critics alike await how this transformation will showcase another side of Johnson’s versatile career.
