Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson surprised everyone at the Venice Film Festival recently. The 53-year-old star showed off a new, slimmer look while attending the Miu Miu Women’s Tales event. He is in town for the premiere of his upcoming film, The Smashing Machine.
In a clip shared on social media, Johnson appeared confident in a light blue silk shirt with a colorful pattern, paired with black pants. Fans were taken aback by his transformation. Comments like, “I had to do a double take” and “He’s so lean,” flooded in as people noticed the difference.
While Johnson hasn’t spoken publicly about his change in appearance, it is known he will play real-life MMA fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film explores Kerr’s rise in the UFC and his battles with addiction. Johnson has mentioned the demanding process of preparing for the role, which included lengthy hours in makeup with multiple prosthetics.
The film recently received a warm reception, earning a 15-minute standing ovation at its premiere. Johnson was visibly emotional, sharing the moment with Safdie and Kerr.
His transformation didn’t come without challenges. Johnson, known for playing tough-guy roles, shared that stepping out of that box required courage. He recalled feeling a “burning desire” to explore more diverse roles. He emphasized the influence of support from co-stars like Emily Blunt and director Benny Safdie in helping him take this leap.
In a world where 62% of moviegoers prefer familiar faces, Johnson’s desire to evolve as an actor is remarkable. This speaks to a larger trend in the film industry where many actors are moving away from typecasting. As Johnson steps into more complex roles, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond.
The Smashing Machine is set for theatrical release on October 3rd. As Johnson takes on this pivotal role, fans eagerly await his latest performance, hoping for more than just a blockbuster hit.
For further reading, check out Hollywood Reporter.
Source link
Venice Film Festival, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Mark Kerr, Venice, Italy, Emily Blunt