Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson recently went through a significant physical transformation where he lost a large amount of muscle and weight. This change was due to his preparation for a new role portraying former MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the biopic "The Smashing Machine," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2025. His weight loss was around 27 kilograms, and it was driven by the need to authentically depict the character who had a very different physique from Johnson's usual muscular build. He has also experienced some gut and health issues, which contributed to his change in physical condition. Despite the dramatic transformation, many fans and commentators note that he remains fit and healthy, though some expressed concern about the drastic muscle loss. Johnson himself has spoken about health concerns like gut issues and plaque buildup in arteries but has refused some treatments while promoting exercise and health overall. The transformation marks a new phase in his career, focusing on authenticity and deeper creative expression rather than the larger-than-life bodybuilding image he had in the past. This shift has also sparked some debate about its impact on his potential return to WWE, where a larger physique is typically expected of stars. However, the change is seen by many as a bold and forward-thinking move at the age of 53, potentially extending his longevity in the entertainment industry. His performance in the film received a 15-minute standing ovation at Venice, showing critical acclaim for his commitment to the role and the physical demands it entailed.
