Hollywood star and professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson, famously known as The Rock, has made headlines for his dramatic physical transformation and powerful performance in his latest film, The Smashing Machine.

At the Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2025, the film’s premiere earned Johnson a 15-minute standing ovation for his performance. While critics praised his acting, much of the buzz centered on his striking new physique.

To portray former MMA fighter Mark Kerr, the 53-year-old actor shed nearly 60 pounds, dropping from 300 pounds to 240. The transformation left fans and media alike astonished, marking one of Johnson’s most dedicated physical shifts for a role.