The Rock’s Hollywood Biopic Of An MMA Fighter Sparks Memories Of An Oscar For Him 

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With a 2025 film titled The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson’s appearance has certainly caught the public’s attention. The viral reaction, with fans dubbing him “The Pebble,” signaled somewhat of a shock to audiences who previously equated him with superhuman muscle. 

The change started debates about his WWE future, sparked Oscar conversations, and redefined his image.  It is set to be released in the United States by A24 on October 3, 2025. 

Johnson’s Ambition Beyond the Blockbuster

To play Marc Kerr, Johnson lost  60 pounds (27 kilos), going from 300 pounds to 240. Instead of his normal muscle-building workouts, he did endurance workouts, and he ate a strict high-protein, low-sugar diet. He duplicated his features with prosthetics.  Johnson put on 13 or 14 pieces and spent upwards of four hours every day getting the prosthetics applied. 

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The actor stressed that the move was a deliberate creative decision rather than a healthy one, as a way to challenge Hollywood's biggest “typecasting” of his action-hero image. The 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, where it was nominated for the Golden Lion. 

The Samshing Machine film shocking weight loss transformation-The Rock is currently going viral after losing a lot of muscle🙄- (source: hindustantimes.com)

Has The Rock Found His Oscar-Winning Role?

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As the festival opened, Johnson’s significantly reduced weight set off a social media storm. Some joked, “The Rock has become a pebble,” while others voiced their concern. It was the only project attended that received a lengthy fifteen-minute standing ovation at its premiere. Every single person in the place was on their feet, applauding. Johnson's project was the only one that actually merited applause. Such an overwhelming reception led to tears from Johnson, Kerr, and the director, Benny Safdie, which still vividly remember.

The project was also met with high praise. Financially, the film was predicted to be the festival’s lowest-grossing movie premiere.  Now, industry pundits have made Johnson a front-runner for the Oscars, opening up a possible awards route. Comparison to Brendan Fraser and The Whale. 


Career Implications and Upcoming Ventures

This change in appearance marks a new chapter in Johnson’s career with a gravitation to intense, dramatic, and deeply emotional projects. At a recent conference, he revealed a desire to pursue projects dealing with “authenticity and pain” to test himself beyond the Hollywood box office. 

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The Rock is being lauded for artistic bravery; the somber tone of the story, along with the drastic weight loss, severely dims the possibility of a WWE comeback to his signature physique. The Smashing Machine, an October 3rd release date by A24, also features Emily Blunt and chronicles Kerr’s battle with addiction and love.

From Box-Office King to Awards Contender

Dwayne Johnson’s physical transformation for The Smashing Machine epitomizes the evolution of an artist caught between artistic goals and audience demands. The industry will be keen to watch The Rock as the film earns more award season attention. Whether the upcoming film will chart an alternate route for his legacy after the action franchise. 

The shift is a focal point within a larger story of risk-taking in the name of creativity. Johnson's work in The Smashing Machine, in which he prioritized art over commercial success, has opened a conversation about Johnson's performances as an actor and whether he will receive credit from the community in the future.