Dwayne Johnson is promoting his new movie, The Smashing Machine, in which the former wrestler takes on a dramatic role as a former wrestler.
While Johnson devoted a lot of time and effort to this part, he looks noticeably different now compared to when filming wrapped. “The Rock” has slimmed down significantly-- perhaps more than he has in years -- surprising fans accustomed to his signature, larger-than-life physique.
Johnson's transition from wrestler to actor became official a while ago, but he has really focused on taking his craft to the next level. That involves being ok with transforming his body in different ways, which has been the case over the past few years.
Here's a look at why Johnson's weight has changed so much.
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Dwayne Johnson weight loss
Johnson actually gained 30 pounds of muscle for "The Smashing Machine," but he has since put in a concerted effort to lose the weight.
"I've been dieting," Johnson said, via Variety. "Happy to not be carrying all the weight. I'm able to tuck in my shirt now…I don't look pregnant so it's all good."
Johnson's weight loss is not in connection with his role in "The Smashing Machine, as it is instead for a different movie role that he is about to play.
Why did 'The Rock' lose weight?
Johnson's new weight loss is for another movie called "Lizard Music," in which he plays "a very whimsical and eccentric 70-something-year-old."
"I'm so excited because I get a chance to hopefully transform again like I was able to do in 'Smashing Machine,'" Johnson said, via CNN. "Can’t wait."
While Johnson has already lost a good amount of weight, he said his body transformation for the new movie isn't yet complete. He added that he has a specific idea for who he wants to look like in this role.
"Think Clint Eastwood at 75," Johnson said, via Variety. "Sinewy muscles, he's lean. But it feels good."
Dwayne Johnson says “there’s nothing extreme” about his recent weight loss:
— ScreenTime (@screentime) September 24, 2025
“I’m in the process of slimming down where I play a 70-something-year-old man”
“It’s the opportunity that I have where I can immerse myself into something and disappear”
(via: LADbible) pic.twitter.com/ICBijUjiAm
How much weight did 'The Rock' lose?
It’s unclear exactly how much weight Johnson has lost since filming "The Smashing Machine," but he previously revealed that he had gained 30 pounds of muscle for the role. At a minimum, that means he’s shed more than 30 pounds for his latest transformation, and he now appears leaner than he did before preparing to portray Mark Kerr.
Who does Dwayne Johnson play in 'The Smashing Machine'?
Johnson plays former wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine," which required a significant body transformation.
"He had this silhouette that was very unique to Mark Kerr," Johnson said.
As a former wrestler himself, Johnson had a lot of knowledge about what Kerr went through. However, Johnson is just three years younger than Kerr today, so he did have to play a significantly younger character for a lot of the film.