Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Dramatic Transformation Sparks Fan Reactions

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has recently unveiled a strikingly leaner physique, leaving fans both surprised and concerned. The 53-year-old actor showcased his new look at the 2025 Venice Film Festival while promoting his upcoming film, The Smashing Machine, where he portrays MMA legend Mark Kerr [1] .

Known for his muscular build, Johnson’s transformation has led to a flurry of reactions on social media. Some fans expressed worry about his health, while others speculated about the reasons behind the change [2] . At the festival, Johnson addressed these concerns, explaining that the physical alteration was a deliberate choice for his role in the film, which delves into Kerr’s struggles with addiction and emotional trauma [3] .

In addition to his role preparation, Johnson has been open about his personal health journey. He recently discussed his long-standing digestive health issues and the treatments he began in early 2024 [2].

The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, is set to be released in theaters on October 3, 2025. The film is already generating Oscar buzz, with critics praising Johnson’s commitment to the role and his departure from traditional action-hero characters [4] .

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Citations:

1. New York Post: nypost.com/2025/09/01/entertainment/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-shocks-with-slimmed-down-physique-for-the-smashing-machine/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Page Six: pagesix.com/2025/09/01/celebrity-news/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-stuns-fans-with-new-slimmed-down-physique/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Reuters: www.reuters.com/lifestyle/dwayne-johnson-breaks-hollywood-mould-gritty-fight-drama-venice-filmfest-2025-09-01/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. TalkSport: talksport.com/wrestling/3517659/dwayne-johnson-unrecognizable-the-rock-physique-venice-film-festival/?utm_source=chatgpt.com