The Rock Shocks Fans: Plans to Slim Down Further for New Role
THE ROCK'S SHOCKING TRANSFORMATION: DWAYNE JOHNSON DROPS THE GUNS AND GETS READY TO RUMBLE AS "CHICKEN MAN"
In a shocking turn of events, Hollywood heavyweight Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has stunned fans with his dramatic weight loss at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. The 53-year-old actor, who rose to fame as a WWE wrestler and later became one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, looked like a completely different person as he walked the red carpet.
But what's even more fascinating is that Johnson has been preparing for his new role as "Chicken Man" by shedding not just pounds, but also his tough-guy image. In an exclusive interview with Variety, The Rock revealed that he gained 30lbs of muscle to play MMA fighter Mark Kerr in his latest film, "The Smashing Machine". But now, he's ready to reverse those gains and transform into a lovable, elderly character who just so happens to be best friends with a chicken.
"I still have a long way to go," Johnson said, chuckling about the weight loss process. "But I'm excited to get back in shape for 'Lizard Music', my next project. And by shape, I mean eating less chicken!" The actor quipped, showcasing his signature humor and charm.
For those who may be wondering what "Lizard Music" is all about, here's the lowdown: the movie is based on Daniel Pinkwater's 1976 novel of the same name, which follows a young boy who stumbles upon a secret broadcast of lizards playing otherworldly music. As he searches for answers, he meets Chicken Man and his trusty sidekick, Claudia – a 70-year-old chicken with a heart of gold.
The film promises to be a wild and whimsical ride, taking audiences on an adventure through invisible worlds, unexpected harmonies, and the unbreakable bond between two lost souls. And with Johnson's undeniable chemistry with his co-stars, including Emily Blunt, who plays Mark's girlfriend Dawn Staples in "The Smashing Machine", we can expect nothing but magic.
Johnson's latest roles mark a pivotal moment in his acting career, as he trades in his action-packed blockbusters for more dramatic and nuanced performances. He's expressed a desire to be taken seriously by audiences and critics alike, after being pigeonholed with his prior roles in movies like "Jumanji", "Moana", and "The Fast and the Furious".
"I want to prove something to myself," Johnson confessed at the festival. "When you're in Hollywood, it can become about box office numbers. And you chase those numbers, but sometimes that means being stuck in a certain category or corner. I'm trying to break free from all that and do something new."
With his commitment to exploring new roles and pushing himself as an actor, Johnson is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating stars to watch in Hollywood right now. As he prepares to take on the role of "Chicken Man", we can't wait to see what this talented performer has in store for us.
A PIVOTAL MOMENT IN THE ROCK'S CAREER
The 2025 Venice Film Festival was a turning point for Johnson, with his performances in both "The Smashing Machine" and "Lizard Music" generating Oscar buzz. The actor's chemistry with Emily Blunt on screen was undeniable, and their 15-minute standing ovation at the festival was a testament to their incredible talent.
But what made this moment even more special was director Benny Safdie's emotional reaction to the applause. As the lead stars took their well-deserved bows, Safdie burst into tears, overcome with emotion. "It was like a dream come true," Johnson said in an interview with The Scholarly Note. "To have worked so hard on these films and receive that kind of recognition was truly humbling."
For Johnson, who began his show business career as a WWE wrestler, this moment marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to his craft. As he continues to push himself as an actor, we can't help but wonder what's next for this talented performer.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE ROCK
As "Lizard Music" hits theaters, fans will get to see Johnson in a whole new light – literally and figuratively. Gone are the days of his tough-guy persona; instead, he'll be charming audiences as a lovable, elderly character with a heart of gold.
But don't worry, The Rock still has plenty of action-packed projects on the horizon. With "The Smashing Machine" generating buzz for its intense fight scenes and impressive stunts, Johnson is showing no signs of slowing down.
As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, we can't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Will he continue to challenge himself with dramatic roles? Will he take on more projects that showcase his versatility as an actor?
Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is ready to rumble, and this time, it's not just about the box office numbers.