Dwayne Johnson, better known as The Rock, recently made waves at the Venice Film Festival. On September 1, 2025, he received a 15-minute standing ovation for his performance in the biopic The Smashing Machine. The crowd praised his acting, and he was visibly emotional. But fans also noticed something else—his striking new look.
For the role of former MMA fighter Mark Kerr, Dwayne underwent a major physical transformation. He lost around 60 pounds, dropping from 300 pounds to 240, to better match Kerr’s physique. His slimmer, more athletic frame immediately drew attention online, sparking curiosity about how he achieved such a change. Some people speculated that he might have used Ozempic, a diabetes medication known for its weight-loss side effects, but there is no evidence to support this, and The Rock has not commented on it.
Instead, his transformation came from strict diet and exercise changes. He followed a high-protein, low-sugar regimen, focusing on lean proteins like chicken, fish, and beef, along with complex carbs like rice and potatoes, and plenty of vegetables. He also adjusted his workouts to match the demands of the role, combining cardio, strength training, and MMA-style training to build a leaner, more defined physique.
The results were clear at the festival. Not only did his performance earn him praise, but his transformed body also became a major talking point. Fans and media alike were impressed by the dedication required to shift his usual muscular build into the slimmer form of the character he portrayed. The Smashing Machine is set to release on October 3, 2025, giving audiences a full look at both his acting and physical transformation.