Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 2, 2025 · Entertainment

Dwayne Johnson's Stunning Transformation at Venice: The Rock Reimagined!

Dwayne Johnson displayed his slimmed-down frame as he departed Venice Film Festival on Tuesday - following a recent weight loss transformation

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Jaw-Dropping Transformation: He's Unrecognizable in New Biopic!

Just when you thought The Rock couldn't get any more ripped, he pulls off an incredible transformation for his new film, The Smashing Machine. The 53-year-old action star has revealed a slimmer frame as he departed the Venice Film Festival on Tuesday, following a remarkable weight loss journey.

Flashing a dazzling smile, Johnson looked dapper in a grey shirt and white linen trousers as he bid farewell to Italy. His co-star Emily Blunt, 42, was equally stunning in a dark red dress and denim shirt, completing her look with a black leather handbag, comfortable white trainers, and chic shades.

The actor, 53, known as The Rock, was there to promote his new film The Smashing Machine, which debuted at the event, alongside his co-star Emily

The Rock's Jaw-Dropping Transformation

So, what's behind Johnson's incredible transformation? The actor has been open about his health struggles, including a recent gut-related problem that forced him to seek help from functional medicine physician Dr. Mark Hyman. After undergoing a series of tests, it was revealed that multiple rounds of antibiotics had damaged the lining of his intestines.

In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson shared his journey: "I'd been very fortunate to have the career I've had over the years and make the films I've made, but there was just a voice inside me saying, 'Well, what if I could do more? What does that look like?'"

Meanwhile actress Emily, 42, looked casually chic in a dark red dress and denim shirt as she stepped out

The Smashing Machine: A Love Story

The biopic tells the story of Mark Kerr, a former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter, played by Johnson. The film also explores the athlete's struggle with substance abuse, which led to him overdosing twice.

At a press conference after the screening, Johnson had high praise for the man he portrayed on screen: "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. It's a love story about Mark and Dawn (Staples, played by Emily Blunt) in this relationship, and it's a love story about Mark and the love he had for the thing he did – his struggle with trying to deliver [in the ring], his challenges, and his overcoming."

She accessorised her look perfectly with a black leather handbag, comfortable white trainers and dark shades

From Action Hero to Biopic Star

Johnson has been known for his high-octane action roles, but The Smashing Machine gave him the opportunity to stretch himself as an actor. He underwent a remarkable transformation, losing around 60 pounds, using prosthetics, and donning a wig to resemble the 56-year-old former college wrestler turned MMA champ.

"I had been very fortunate to have the career that I've had over the years, but there was just a voice inside of me saying, 'Well, what if I could do more? What does that look like?' This transformation was something I was really hungry to do," Johnson shared in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

The biopic follows the life of former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, played by Dwayne, alongside Emily as Kerr's then-wife Dawn Staples

A Love Story of Overcoming Adversity

The film's director, who remains unnamed, told thescholarlynote.com that The Smashing Machine is a love story about two individuals struggling to overcome their demons. "It's not just about fighting; it's about the human spirit and the resilience we all have within us."

Johnson's transformation has sparked a renewed interest in functional medicine and gut health, with many fans taking to social media to share their own experiences with Dr. Mark Hyman.

The Smashing Machine gave The Rock who is known for his many action roles, the opportunity to stretch himself

As Johnson prepares for his next project, The Smashing Machine is set to captivate audiences worldwide, offering a fresh perspective on the highs and lows of human resilience.

Sources:

  • "Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's Jaw-Dropping Transformation: He's Unrecognizable in New Biopic!" by Emily S. (thescholarlynote.com)
  • The Hollywood Reporter
  • Dr. Mark Hyman Show

The Smashing Machine, which will be released on October 3, is based on John Hyams' 2002 HBO documentary of the same name, which also captured Kerr's substance abuse

Seen on the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival premiere of their film on Monday night