WWE legend Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson reveals real reason behind his recent muscle loss

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is all set for The Smashing Machine!

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been on the promotional trail for his upcoming film The Smashing Machine, which hits theaters on Friday, October 3. The project sees Johnson step into the role of former UFC champion Mark Kerr, a part that demanded a significant physical transformation.

After bulking up to embody Kerr’s imposing frame, Johnson has now undergone another striking change that has left fans talking.

In recent appearances, the WWE legend has sported a noticeably leaner build than the one fans saw during his last run with the company earlier this year. The Rock addressed his new look while speaking to Variety at the Toronto International Film Festival, finally revealing the real reason behind his weight drop.

The Rock’s new role: “Chicken Man”

According to Johnson, his slimmer frame is tied to his next film project, Lizard Music, where he will play an eccentric, whimsical 70-year-old character named Chicken Man. The film reunites him with The Smashing Machine director Benny Safdie, and the role requires him to shed much of the bulk he recently carried.

“Benny pitched me this after [Smashing Machine], and after about 45 minutes, this pitch ended and I said, ‘I am your Chicken Man,’” Johnson said. “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.”

The Rock revealed he has already dropped around 30 pounds of muscle, signaling just how different this performance will be compared to his usual larger-than-life action hero roles.

Testing himself beyond the action star mold

Johnson has been candid in recent interviews about wanting to test his range as an actor. After years of being pigeonholed as Hollywood’s go-to blockbuster action figure, he has shifted gears toward more character-driven projects.

The Smashing Machine is already generating Oscar buzz for his performance, marking a career shift that could redefine how audiences see him. Johnson admitted that stepping into darker and more eccentric roles has been both a challenge and a refreshing change of pace.

For WWE fans, however, the transformation all but rules out any immediate return to the ring. The Final Boss last competed at WrestleMania XL in April and played a central role in John Cena’s shocking heel turn earlier this year. But with filming for Lizard Music yet to begin, it appears wrestling will remain on the back burner for now.

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