Variety’s Venice Digital Daily, Day 5: ‘Smashing’ Star Dwayne Johnson Shows His Dramatic Side

Variety’s Venice Digital Daily, Day 5: ‘Smashing’ Star Dwayne Johnson Shows His Dramatic Side

If you can’t be in Venice this year, Variety is bringing Venice to you. We’re publishing daily digital editions, running Aug. 29 – Sept. 2, including all the latest news, reviews and star-studded red carpet coverage from the Lido. To catch up on Day 5, please click below.

“Something’s Not Right,” Dwayne Johnson’s New Physique Has Fans Shocked & Concerned

Dwayne Johnson, aka “The Rock,” stunned fans with a much slimmer physique at the 2025 Venice Film Festival on September 1. His leaner look for the new MMA movie The Smashing Machine got fans talking (and worrying) about his dramatic transformation for the role of fighter Mark Kerr.