Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has set social media ablaze after debuting a noticeably slimmer frame at a major international event. While some fans applauded his dedication to a new role, others voiced concern, sparking heated discussions about his changing appearance.

For decades, Johnson has been celebrated worldwide for his larger-than-life persona. From his electrifying days in the WWE ring to blockbuster films, late-night talk show appearances, and a commanding presence on social media, he has built a reputation as one of the most recognizable celebrities on Earth. His towering build and muscular physique became his trademark—earning him the nickname “The Rock” in the first place.

That’s why his recent appearance at the Venice Film Festival left many followers surprised. Over the weekend, Johnson, 53, stepped onto the red carpet at the Miu Miu Women’s Tales event on August 30, accompanied by his co-star Emily Blunt from The Smashing Machine. Cameras quickly picked up on his leaner build, with fans noting a visible reduction in muscle mass compared to his iconic look.

Reactions poured in across social media almost instantly. One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “The Rock is currently going viral after losing a lot of muscle.” Another remarked: “He’s so lean now,” while a third joked: “Wow, he’s half of what he used to be.” Some even speculated about wider industry changes, with one post reading: “First Batista, now him. Is there something happening in Hollywood that we don’t know about?”

Representatives for Johnson have yet to officially comment, but the actor’s dramatic shift in appearance is for good reason. The transformation is tied to his leading role as legendary UFC fighter Mark Kerr in A24’s upcoming film The Smashing Machine. Directed by Benny Safdie, the movie pairs Johnson with Emily Blunt as Kerr’s partner Dawn Staples, and even features former MMA champion Bas Rutten playing himself.

In a past interview with Variety, Johnson explained his motivation for taking on such a demanding role: “Benny wants to create and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, with characters that are authentic, uncomfortable, and arresting. I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in new ways. I want to make films that matter—films that explore humanity, struggle, and resilience.”

At a press conference earlier this week, he expanded further on his shift in focus: “When you’re in Hollywood, it often becomes about box office numbers. Chasing those numbers can trap you in one lane, one category. That’s what the industry expects you to do. But this project allows me to break out of that mold and challenge myself in ways audiences haven’t seen before.”

While fans may need time to adjust to this unexpected transformation, Johnson’s commitment to his craft suggests the new look is less about image and more about storytelling. For someone whose entire career has been built on reinvention, The Rock is once again proving that he’s ready to surprise the world—this time not with sheer muscle, but with depth, vulnerability, and artistic risk.