Dwayne Johnson has opened up about the truth behind his recent change in appearance after some fans voiced their concerns.
Known as one of the most renowned figures worldwide, thanks to his WWE success, acting career, numerous talk show appearances, and extensive social media presence, Johnson has amassed millions of admirers globally.
For years, the actor has been celebrated for his remarkable physique. However, his appearance at the Venice Film Festival last month left many fans surprised, as he revealed a significantly leaner look.
While some defended the Fast & Furious star, others were worried about his health.
At 53, Johnson appeared with his The Smashing Machine co-star Emily Blunt at a Miu Miu Women’s Tales event, where the noticeable muscle loss was apparent.
Many assumed Johnson’s new physique was for his lead role as UFC fighter Mark Kerr in the A24 production, The Smashing Machine. This film sees Dwayne Johnson acting alongside Blunt, who portrays Dawn Staples, and the renowned Dutch MMA fighter Bas Rutten, playing himself.
Reports indicate Johnson has shed approximately 60lbs, reducing his weight from 300lbs to 240lbs.
Johnson has disclosed that he needs to slim down even further for his upcoming project, Lizard Music, where he portrays a character named Chicken Man.
At a career retrospective talk during the Toronto Film Festival on September 8, Johnson shared: “A little bit of backstory for you guys here is Benny pitched me this after we wrapped The Smashing Machine, and after about 45 minutes, his pitch ended, and I said, ‘I am your Chicken Man’.
“Now what that means is, without giving too much away, the role that I will play is a very whimsical and eccentric 70-something-year-old man called the Chicken Man, and his best friend is a 70-something-year-old chicken.”
The Hollywood star commented further: “I still have a long ways to go. I’m so excited to get a chance to hopefully transform again like I was able to do in Smashing Machine. [It means] eating less chicken.”
However, The Smashing Machine is set to release first, with Johnson sharing his enthusiasm for the role during a press conference for the film last week.
“When you’re in Hollywood — as we all know, it had become about box office,” he noted. “And you chase the box office, and the box office can be very loud and it can become very resounding and it can push you into a category and into a corner.
“This is your lane and this is what you do and this is what Hollywood wants you to do.”