Dwayne Johnson surprised many attendees at the Venice Film Festival with his noticeably slimmer appearance this past weekend.
The 53-year-old former wrestler has transformed his physique for the role of MMA fighter Mark Kerr in Benny Safdy’s upcoming film, “The Smashing Machine,” which is set to debut Monday night.
During the Miu Miu Women’s Tales event Saturday evening, Johnson showcased his weight loss while dressed in a blue button-up shirt and black trousers, along with his co-star Emily Blunt.
On Monday, he donned a short-sleeved blue shirt tucked into white pants at a film photo call.
His dramatic change in appearance sparked a lot of conversations online, with fans humorously dubbing him “Pebble.” Reactions varied, with one fan commenting, “He’s very wasteful,” and another jokingly observing, “Damn, he’s half what he’s worth!”
Another user praised the transformation, calling it “wonderful.” In “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson portrays the renowned Kerr, who battles prescription drug addiction, while Brandt plays Kerr’s current wife, Dawnstaples.
At a press conference on Monday, Johnson expressed his long-standing desire for a role like this. He mentioned the challenges of Hollywood, noting, “It’s all about box office revenue,” which can often pigeonhole an actor into specific roles.
He reflected, saying, “I just had this burning desire and voice. It’s tough to envision what you’re capable of when you’ve been boxed in.” He highlighted the importance of encouragement from others to break free from those constraints.
Johnson pondered on his own aspirations, questioning, “Am I living my dreams or someone else’s? Do I even recognize that perception?” Until now, he admitted to feeling hesitant to embrace his true, raw self.
Interestingly, he remarked that the story of Kerr’s life is “not just about fighting—it’s a love story,” adding depth to the upcoming film.
“The Smashing Machine” will hit theaters on October 3rd.
