Dwayne Johnson aka “The Rock” purposely lost 60 pounds for his role in the movie “Wreckers”.

The Shredder is a biographical film about mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr that will premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.

The transformation was part of his effort to move away from stereotypical action hero roles and take on more dramatic and emotional roles, for which he received critical acclaim and a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Dwayne Johnson’s weight loss and transformation sparked widespread reaction on social media, with fans and critics initially expressing concern over his health, but it was a conscious decision for the role and highlighted his commitment to authenticity and physical transformation, similar to other actors such as Christian Bale who have undergone significant transformations for roles.

Johnson’s performance in “The Shredder” received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, and critics praised his work.

This change in his career path reflects a broader trend in Hollywood where actors are seeking diverse roles to showcase their abilities.