Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said his recent, much-discussed weight loss is intentional and part of preparations for an upcoming role in Benny Safdie’s film Lizard Music.
Speaking to reporters at the Toronto International Film Festival on Monday, Johnson, 53, said he had slimmed down after bulking up for the MMA movie The Smashing Machine, which is scheduled for release in October. “I’m so excited because I get a chance to hopefully transform again like I was able to do in ‘Smashing Machine.’ Can’t wait,” he said, according to People. He added, "This is me slimmed down... In the process of slimming down. I still have a long ways to go," and joked that his new diet consists of him eating "less chicken."
Johnson’s appearance has prompted public attention since earlier this month, when he arrived in Italy for the Venice Film Festival looking noticeably thinner than in recent years. Social media users on X voiced concern and surprise, with some posting messages such as, “I hope he’s not sick because he looks very thin,” and others questioning the timing of the change: “No way this is him or recent. 6-7 months ago he was on raw jacked. He wouldn’t lose that much muscle so fast.” Another user joked, “The Rock has turned into a pebble ….”
Johnson has repeatedly altered his physique for roles over his career. He bulked and conditioned for 2023’s Black Adam and earlier spoke about the drive to pursue roles that push him physically and artistically. In comments to the Hollywood Reporter last year, he described transforming his body for a part as “something [he] was really hungry to do.” He also posted on social media during Black Adam’s preparation that he was “working extremely hard dieting, training and conditioning unlike any other role of [his] entire career.”
The Smashing Machine, in which Johnson portrays a mixed martial arts figure, required an increase in size for authenticity, he said. Now attached to Lizard Music, directed by Safdie, Johnson is reversing that process, signaling a new set of physical demands for the project. He gave fans another glimpse of his transformation while walking the red carpet for The Smashing Machine at the festival.
Industry observers note that such physical transformations are not uncommon among leading actors pursuing diverse roles. Johnson’s statements clarify that the change in his appearance is role-driven rather than health-related, though social-media discussion underscores how public figures’ bodies often draw immediate scrutiny. Lizard Music does not yet have a public release date, and Johnson did not provide a detailed timeline for when he expects to complete his current transformation.
Johnson’s comments at TIFF add to a growing public record of his methodical approach to role preparation, which has included widely publicized changes in diet and training. He is due to promote The Smashing Machine in October and will likely discuss Lizard Music further in coming months as production progresses.