ROCK SHOCK

DWAYNE “The Rock” Johnson has sent the internet fans’ tonge klapping with his astonishing transformation, showcasing a leaner physique.

The wrestling legend and Hollywood actor strutted his new look  at the Venice Film Festival as he promotes his latest film, “The Smashing Machine,” in which he portrays UFC champion Mark Kerr. 

The actor, famed for his towering presence and spiertier image, appeared in a crisp light blue collared shirt paired with black dress pants, exuding confidence as he attended the Miu Miu Women’s Tales event on Saturday.

As Johnson's notably slimmer frame took the spotlight, responses poured in on X, with fans sharing a mix of shock and intrigue. 

Comments ranged from humorous to concerning, with one fan joking, “The Rock has turned into a pebble…,” while another remarked it looked like "AI to me." 

Concerns about his health were also echoed with a user expressing, “I hope he’s not sick because he looks very thin,” and others speculating about the rapidity of his transformation, given his recent fitness levels.

The 53-year-old star spoke candidly about his desire for this physical change, highlighting his ambition to delve deeper into challenging roles. 

According to the Hollywood Reporter, he said: “This transformation was something I was really hungry to do. 

“I had been very fortunate in my career, but there was just a voice inside of me that said, ‘What if I could do more?’”

Interestingly, Johnson also revealed that he has been grappling with gut-related health issues for years, sharing insights during an interview on “The Mark Hyman Show.” 

He shared: “I feel great - and that’s the odd thing - but I just can’t crack it, acknowledging the struggle to pinpoint the exact cause of his digestive issues despite his healthy lifestyle.

Johnson has begun treatment for his health challenges and continues to juggle multiple commitments including his WWE appearances and the anticipation around his upcoming films “Red One” and “Moana 2.” 

With his latest transformation eliciting wide-ranging reactions, fans are undoubtedly eager to see how this evolution will translate on-screen in “The Smashing Machine.”