Dwayne Johnson Loses 60 Pounds for Venice Film Festival Premiere

Dwayne Johnson, known as The Rock, stunned fans with a dramatic 60-pound weight loss for his role as MMA and UFC pioneer Mark Kerr in the biopic The Smashing Machine, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival. The transformation involved dropping from about 300 to 240 pounds, marking a leaner physique unlike his traditionally muscular frame. Johnson described the change as a deeply personal and deliberate challenge, motivated by a desire to push his career and physical limits. The film, which received a 15-minute standing ovation, chronicles Kerr's rise and struggles with opioid addiction, with Johnson visibly emotional during the premiere. Fans have even given Johnson new nicknames reflecting his slimmer appearance, highlighting the significant shift from his WWE days. His transformation follows a trend among wrestler-turned-actors like Dave Bautista, who also lost substantial weight for challenging roles, emphasizing a commitment to healthier lifestyles and body recomposition.