Dwayne Johnson unveiled a dramatic physical transformation while promoting The Smashing Machine at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, with some outlets reporting that the star lost 60 pounds for the role.

Newsweek reached out to Johnson's representative via email on Tuesday for comment.

Why It Matters

The Smashing Machine symbolizes Johnson's transition from the blockbuster, spectacle-driven roles that had defined his recent career to a muted, character-driven biopic about real-life MMA fighter Mark Kerr.

The film's reception at Venice prompted early awards-season conversations , and Johnson's noticeable physical change sparked widespread social media reaction, demonstrating how an appearance at a major festival can reshape public and critical expectations of a high-profile star

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