Dwayne Johnson gets ripped: The Rock's weight loss journey for 'The Smashing Machine'

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stunned fans with his incredible weight loss as he walked the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival recently. 

The 53-year-old actor lost about 30kg to play Mark Kerr, a legendary UFC champion, in his upcoming movie "The Smashing Machine".

According to online reports, Johnson said: "This transformation was something I was really hungry to do."

In the movie, Johnson takes on the lead role of Kerr, a well-known MMA fighter and two-time UFC heavyweight champion. 

Fans quickly took to social media to share their shock and admiration at Johnson's transformation. One fan commented: "Dwayne … you just don’t stop surprising us! And by the way, what a shape!! 👏👏👏 You are a true inspiration". 

Johnson took drastic measures to transform into his latest role: He went from being bald to having a full head of hair.

In "The Smashing Machine" trailer, the lead actor appears typically muscular as Kerr, but looks unrecognisable with a full head of dark hair and partial sideburns.

The make-up department appears to have added prosthetics to alter the shape of his face, enhancing the overall makeover.

"The Smashing Machine" is set around the turn of the millennium and will explore Kerr's life, touching on his challenges with love and addiction, alongside his journey in the ring.

The film is directed by Benny Safdie, who co-wrote and co-directed "Uncut Gems".

During an online interview at the festival, Johnson praised Safdie's approach to storytelling, stating: "Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting."

Johnson shared his own motivations for taking on this challenging role: "I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity and explore struggle and pain."

"The Smashing Machine" will be released in cinemas on October 3.