Close Menu
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
What's Hot

Nissan KICKS aims to be the ultimate student ride

September 25, 2025

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi celebrates Saudi National Day

September 25, 2025

Hitachi Energy tops global grid automation market

September 25, 2025
  • About us
  • Editorial policy
  • Contact
X (Twitter)
Abu Dhabi Week
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
Subscribe
Abu Dhabi Week
Home»Lifestyle»The Rock stuns fans with dramatic weight loss
Lifestyle

The Rock stuns fans with dramatic weight loss

Sam AllcockBy Sam AllcockSeptember 2, 20251 Comment3 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp VKontakte Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has sparked widespread debate online after appearing noticeably slimmer at the Venice Film Festival, where his latest film The Smashing Machine received a lengthy standing ovation.

The former professional wrestler, widely known as one of Hollywood’s most muscular figures, walked the red carpet alongside co-star Emily Blunt, showcasing a leaner frame that surprised many fans. The transformation is tied to his role as former MMA champion Mark Kerr, whose story of success and personal struggles forms the basis of the upcoming biopic.

Social media reaction was immediate and divided. YouTube reviewer The Critical Drinker wrote on X, “Dude is well into his 50s now. He was gonna have to come off the gear at some point.” Others suggested Johnson’s weight loss was a deliberate physical shift to embody the troubled fighter authentically.

Produced by A24 and directed by Benny Safdie, the film follows Kerr’s meteoric rise in mixed martial arts during the late 1990s and his subsequent battles with opioid addiction. Johnson, long known for his blockbuster action roles and charismatic screen presence, appears to be venturing into new territory with a portrayal critics are calling one of his most daring performances.

At its world premiere in Venice, The Smashing Machine received a standing ovation lasting 15 minutes — one of the longest of this year’s festival, according to Variety. The moment left Johnson visibly emotional, wiping away tears as the audience continued its applause.

The actor, who has faced repeated criticism for playing similar action-heavy roles, now finds himself at the centre of renewed admiration. Early reviews on IMDb rated the film an impressive 8.7/10, though scores are subject to change after its official release on 3 October 2025.

One critic wrote, “Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has done a lot in his career — action blockbusters, comedies, even family films — but nothing prepared me for the raw, unfiltered power of The Smashing Machine.”

Another added, “It is one of many fighter biopics to have emerged in recent years, but Johnson’s transformation sets it apart.”

The Venice reception suggests the film could be a career-defining project for Johnson, who, despite his superstar status, has rarely ventured into roles demanding such physical and emotional vulnerability.

For fans accustomed to seeing the 53-year-old actor in his trademark larger-than-life physique, the new look represents both a shock and a revelation — signalling that The Rock may be ready to reinvent himself in Hollywood’s ever-changing landscape.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email
Previous ArticleAI stethoscope diagnoses heart conditions in 15 seconds
Next Article Liverpool sign Alexander Isak in £125m record deal
Sam Allcock
  • Website

Sam Allcock is a seasoned media professional and content strategist with a passion for storytelling across digital platforms. As a contributor to Abu Dhabi Week, Sam brings a sharp editorial eye and a deep appreciation for the culture, innovation, and lifestyle that define the UAE capital. With over a decade of experience in journalism and public relations, he covers everything from local events and business trends to travel, dining, and community highlights. When he's not writing, Sam is exploring the hidden gems of Abu Dhabi, always on the lookout for the next story worth sharing.

Related Posts

Miley Cyrus becomes new face of Maybelline

September 24, 2025

Abu Dhabi Art Announces BEA 2025 Cohort

September 24, 2025

Seoul Biennale puts people at heart of design

September 24, 2025

Moscow draws 106,000 visitors to Portal 2030–2050 festival

September 24, 2025

1 Comment

  1. 📘 ❗ WARNING - You got 1.2 BTC! Tap to accept → https://graph.org/RECEIVE-BTC-07-23?hs=8dbbcf4297955c7036255845d9a7001b& 📘 on September 5, 2025 9:13 pm

    zmkdk2

Leave A Reply

Don't Miss
Technology

Nissan KICKS aims to be the ultimate student ride

By Sam AllcockSeptember 25, 20250

The start of a new semester in the UAE brings a shift in pace. By…

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi celebrates Saudi National Day

September 25, 2025

Hitachi Energy tops global grid automation market

September 25, 2025

Rixos Marina unveils luxury suite offer in Abu Dhabi

September 25, 2025
About Us
About Us

Abu Dhabi Week delivers the latest business news, insights, and updates from the heart of the UAE.

Connect with us: advertising@abudhabiweek.ae | editor@abudhabiweek.ae.

Our Picks
New Comments
  • 腳底按摩證照 on Google Contributed AED 21.8 Billion to UAE Economy in 2024
  • 撥筋教學 on Google Contributed AED 21.8 Billion to UAE Economy in 2024
  • 📝 Warning - Transfer of 1.2 Bitcoin detected. Complete Immediately > https://graph.org/Get-your-BTC-09-04?hs=32bf4050113d54c56ebbe37c183f24ff& 📝 on UAE Firms Honoured at 2025 Employee Happiness Awards
  • 身體撥筋教學 on Google Contributed AED 21.8 Billion to UAE Economy in 2024
X (Twitter)
© 2025 Abu Dhabi Week

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.