The Rock opens up about losing bulk for new role: 'something I was really hungry to do'

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is known for his massive, muscular build, but he’s slimmed down for his new movie.

“This transformation was something I was really hungry to do,” Johnson told The Hollywood Reporter during the Venice Film Festival premiere of “The Smashing Machine.”

He continued, “I had been very fortunate to have the career that I’ve had over the years and to make the films that I’ve made, but there was just a voice inside of me, a little voice that said, ‘Well, what if I could do more — I want to do more and what does that look like?'”

In “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson stars as Mark Kerr, the legendary two-time UFC heavyweight champion and MMA icon, who succeeded in the ring but battled painkiller addiction in the 1990s. He’s joined by Emily Blunt as Kerr’s wife, Dawn, reuniting the stars from their “Jungle Cruise” days.

“Mark was the greatest fighter in the world at one point, but this film is not even really about fighting — it’s a love story,” Johnson told the outlet, who noted he grew teary-eyed as he spoke. “It’s a love story about Mark and Dawn in this relationship, and it’s a love story about Mark and the love that he had for the thing that he did — his struggle with trying to deliver [in the ring], his challenges and his overcoming. As you know, Mark OD’d twice, and he’s lucky to be alive — and that’s part of why this story is so special.”

Taking on the challenging dramatic role was a welcome change for Johnson, who’s been a blockbuster leading man for years.

“A lot of times it’s harder for us — or at least for me, sometimes — to know what you’re capable of when you’ve been pigeon-holed. And sometimes it takes people who you love and you respect, like Emily and Benny [Safdie, the director], to say you can.”

Fans noticed Johnson’s smaller frame at the premiere for the film.

“Dwayne Johnson’s transformation for The Smashing Machine is insane. he's unrecognizable!” one person wrote.

They also got to see a softer side of the WWE icon as he teared up during the 15-minute standing ovation for the film after it screened during the festival.

“The Smashing Machine” will be in theaters October 3.