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Former WWE legend and Hollywood superstar Dwayne Johnson, popularly known as The Rock, stunned fans with his drastic weight transformation at the Venice Film Festival. Shedding nearly 30 pounds, the actor revealed that the change was intentional and part of a conscious shift in his career. Johnson admitted that he is 'not just the action guy' anymore.
Preparing for a Radical New Role
As reported by The Variety, Johnson has already received praise for his portrayal of wrestler Mark Kerr in 'The Smashing Machine'. But now, the actor is preparing for another dramatic transformation for his upcoming project, Lizard Music.
For this film, Johnson is stepping into the shoes of a 'whimsical, eccentric 70-something year-old' character named Chicken Man. The movie is directed by Benny Safdie, marking their reunion after the critically acclaimed The Smashing Machine.
Also Read: Dwayne Johnson shocks with dramatic weight loss, The Rock says, 'True fitness is more than muscles'
Johnson on Becoming 'Chicken Man'
During a career retrospective talk at the Toronto Film Festival, Johnson shared how Safdie pitched the role. “Benny pitched me this, and after about 45 minutes, this pitch ended and I said, ‘I am your Chicken Man,’” he revealed.
The actor confessed that despite already losing nearly 30 pounds, he still has a “long ways to go” to fully embody the character. “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,” he joked.
About Lizard Music
Lizard Music is based on the Daniel Pinkwater novel of the same name. The story follows a septuagenarian whose closest companion happens to be a 70-year-old chicken, blending whimsy with eccentricity.
With his new transformation, Dwayne Johnson is proving that he is willing to shed his 'action guy' image to take on bold, unconventional roles.
