‘Looks like AI’ – The Rock stuns fans with unrecognizable new look and slimmed-down physique
There's little Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson loves more than pumping iron in his own personal paradise.
In years gone by, a quick scroll through social media would often end with a video of the WWE star turned Hollywood icon working out in his home gym, sharing some advice with his 392 million followers.
But in recent months, Johnson has been sporting a rather slimmed-down physique.
He is set for a serious turn portraying UFC fighter Mark Kerr in A24's upcoming biographical sports drama The Smashing Machine.
The project is already creating serious buzz ahead of its world premiere on Monday at the Venice Film Festival.
As is Johnson himself, who has made quite the transformation for the role.
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Over the weekend, the world's highest-paid actor, who made just $40 for his first wrestling match, was in attendance in Venice, where he posed for paparazzi photos.
Johnson was also filmed walking with Smashing Machine co-star Emily Blunt, and some fans were left stunned by his new physique.
"Nah, that's not a real picture surely," one person responded, as Johnson attended the Miu Miu Women's Tales event on Saturday.
"He said F the Gym," another wrote.
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"If he's really going to take acting seriously, and I mean no more just action bull****, we have to get used to this," a third said.
"Looks like AI to me," a fourth concluded.
While he is evidently spending less time pumping iron in the gym, The Rock is still all about sharing little nuggets with his huge social media following.
Venice Film Festival 'dream come true for Johnson
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, he admitted being blown away by his experience at the world's oldest film festival.
"You know, there are moments in life where I try to kind of just be cool in the moment and, you know, just act like you've been there," The Rock said.
"I've heard that before when I was a kid. You know, 'Hey, don't freak out. Just act like you've been there and try and be cool.'
"Like I've tried to do that, but I'm having a hard time composing myself and acting like I've been here because I've never been here.
"I'm here in beautiful Venice. Yeah, this is like a dream come true. So there is no acting like I've been here because I haven't.
"And this is really amazing. Chills. Beautiful. I'm so happy."
Is The Smashing Machine an Oscar contender?
While reviews aren't out yet, The Rock's latest project is creating serious Oscars buzz.
The Smashing Machine is based on the real-life story of Kerr, an All-American and National Championship wrestler who went on to dominate in the octagon as a two-time UFC heavyweight tournament winner.
Kerr also struggled with addition to painkillers and opioids, overdosing twice, and Johnson has described needing to 'rip himself open' for what is expected to be one of his most 'raw and gritty' performances to date.
The movie is playing in the main competition at Venice, vying for the top prizes alongside titles like Frankenstein, Bugonia, La Grazia and No Other Choice.
It is also expected to land Johnson himself in the awards conversation for the first time in his career.
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The Smashing Machine will open in theaters on October 3.
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