Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s shocking slimmed-down look raises eyebrows; netizens say "he's a pebble now"

The Venice Film Festival always brings glamour, surprises, and memorable moments. But this year, all eyes were glued to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who turned heads with a jaw-dropping transformation. The actor, known for his larger-than-life physique, debuted a much leaner frame that instantly set social media buzzing.

On September 1, Johnson arrived at the festival alongside his co-star Emily Blunt for the world premiere of his upcoming film The Smashing Machine. Dressed in a crisp blue button-up shirt and black pants, the Hollywood star looked almost unrecognizable to many. The images that surfaced online quickly went viral, with fans reacting in shock and amazement at his drastic weight loss.

The internet had a field day with reactions. Some couldn’t resist poking fun, calling him “The Pebble” instead of The Rock. Others joked that he looked “AI-generated.” But amid the humor, there were plenty of supportive comments too. Many pointed out that the change seemed like a healthier shift, especially as maintaining his earlier muscle-heavy build required extreme discipline and diets. Fans noted that with age, it’s natural for even the biggest stars to rethink their lifestyle choices.

Beyond the chatter about his appearance, Johnson himself gave fans deeper insight during a press conference at the festival. He admitted that for years he felt typecast in Hollywood, often repeating similar roles. Taking on The Smashing Machine, he explained, was his way of pushing boundaries and answering the inner voice that asked, “What if there’s more I can do?”

In the film, Johnson transforms into MMA champion Mark Kerr, a fighter celebrated for his victories but also known for personal struggles, including substance abuse. The role is intense, raw, and unlike anything audiences have seen Johnson attempt before. The movie, inspired by the acclaimed 2002 documentary of the same name, has already sparked high expectations thanks to its bold subject and Johnson’s drastic physical preparation. If his Venice debut is anything to go by, The Smashing Machine could mark a powerful turning point in his career.