Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson turned heads and sparked chatter during his recent appearance at the Venice Film Festival, showcasing a significantly slimmer physique.

The 53-year-old action star made waves at the Miu Miu Women's Tales event while gearing up for the premiere of his upcoming film "The Smashing Machine." Dressed in a stylish light blue short-sleeved silk shirt adorned with vibrant prints, paired with sleek black pants, Johnson's transformation was impossible to miss.

As glimpses of his new look flooded social media, fans were quick to express their astonishment. Comments ranged from "I had to do a double take!" to "He’s so lean," highlighting the dramatic change in his demeanor and appearance.

One excited fan declared, "The Rock slimming down and still owning every room... legendary glow-up unlocked," while another noted, "He looks great!" It’s clear that Johnson’s reinvention has captivated his audience.

Though he hasn't officially commented on his transformation, Johnson is set to portray former wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine." Directed by Benny Safdie, the film has already ignited a buzz surrounding potential awards.

In preparation for this role, Johnson revealed he spent up to four hours in makeup, donning 13 to 14 prosthetics to bring Kerr to life on screen. The movie also stars Emily Blunt as Kerr's wife, Dawn, chronicling Kerr's ascent in the UFC and his struggles with addiction and personal turmoil.

During the star-studded premiere, which took place in the enchanting Sala Grande, Johnson was visibly moved, wiping away tears as the film received a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation—one of the longest acknowledgments in festival history. The film has even been nominated for the prestigious Golden Lion, the festival's top honor.

Ahead of the premiere, Johnson joined a press conference and reflected on embracing a role that diverges from his typical action star image. "This transformation was something I was really hungry to do," he admitted. Johnson noted the struggle actors face in breaking free from typecasting: "You chase the box office... it can push you into a corner." He expressed his desire to explore more challenging roles, fueled by a supportive team.

Johnson credits his co-stars, especially Blunt and director Safdie, for inspiring him to take this leap of faith. "Sometimes it takes people you love and respect to say you can," he noted, indicating the importance of having a supportive circle.

Catch the sensational transformation and gripping story of "The Smashing Machine," hitting theaters on October 3rd!