How Dwayne Johnson Gained 30 Pounds for The Smashing Machine

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson does whatever it takes to look the part.

When getting ready for the role of a genuine UFC fighter named Mark Kerr in his upcoming movie “The Smashing Machine“, the professional wrestler spoke about the extensive training sessions he went through to attain the physique that eventually earned Mark Kerr a place in the UFC Hall of Fame in 2025.

At the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival’s North American premiere, Dwayne explained his routine to Francesca Amiker from TopMob News: “In the morning, I exercise cardio, followed by breakfast. Then, I train, eat again, and after that, I dive back into MMA training.” He added, “I had to add 30 pounds for the role, which was quite a burden.

Instead of simply gaining the weight, the 53-year-old needed to not only acquire it but also maintain it as he moved forward with his upcoming project.

Apart from packing on 30 extra pounds for a specific role, he reminisced about immediately having to film the live-action version of “Moana.” He found it challenging to maintain that weight afterwards, describing the situation as quite absurd.

In other words, how did he manage during the tough and lengthy training sessions? Simple answer: Dwayne, father to Jasmine (9), Tiana (6) with wife Lauren Hashian, along with Simone (24) from his previous marriage to Dany Garcia, couldn’t have persevered without the motivation provided by his friends and loved ones.

He mentioned that there were many supportive individuals around him, who encouraged him with words like, “You can do it, and we’re here to assist you,” which proved crucial. In essence, their support was vital.

As a devoted fan, I must say that the actor who played Moana wasn’t drawn to the role by the prospect of accolades or recognition – though it seems his performance has certainly sparked some intriguing Oscar speculation in anticipation of the 2026 Academy Awards.

He shared that he felt the need for a personal endeavor, something that would allow him to explore himself thoroughly. Benny Safdie, the director, encouraged him, saying, ‘You have the ability to achieve this. Not just that, but I will support you in your journey.’

In addition to his steadfast backing from his director, Dwayne’s costar, Emily Blunt, who plays Mark’s former spouse Dawn Staples in the biographical drama, consistently stood by him as well.

He mentioned that Emily, the actress from The Devil Wears Prada, is one of his closest friends. He found the buzz surrounding the movie incredibly surreal and exciting. His opinion was that maintaining composure and taking things as they come, day by day, was crucial to dealing with it all effectively.

For those actors who graced the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, stay tuned for more…

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2025-09-09 23:18