Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is known for his rock-solid physique. But WWE legend and box office superstar surprised many with his new slimmed-down appearance.
During the 2025 Venice Film Festival for the world premiere of his new film The Smashing Machine, Johnson shared how he changed his body for the role.
This transformation was something I was really hungry to do,” Johnson 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?’”
Written and directed by Safdie, The Smashing Machine stars Johnson as Mark Kerr, an MMA icon and l two-time UFC heavyweight champion. As he spoke about Kerr’s struggles and how he tapped into the character, he was overcome with emotion, as was Ker,r who was close by at the Venice press conference.
“Mark was the greatest fighter in the world at one point, but this film is not even really about fighting — it’s a love story,” Johnson said with tears flowing. “It’s a love story about Mark and Dawn in this relationship, and it’s a love story about Mark and the love that he had for the thing that he did — his struggle with trying to deliver [in the ring], his challenges and his overcoming. As you know, Mark OD’d twice, and he’s lucky to be alive — and that’s part of why this story is so special.”
While known for his action films and buddy comedies, The Smashing Machine is Johsnon’s most dramatic role to date.
“I understood that,” Johnson went on, “so I made those movies, and I liked them — they were fun. Some were really good and did well, and some not so good….”
“A lot of times it’s harder for us — or at least for me, sometimes — to know what you’re capable of when you’ve been pigeon-holed,” he continued. “And sometimes it takes people who you love and you respect, like Emily and Benny, to say you can.”